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let’s have some fish!”' 









H iwoGooles Heuew»i< 

OCT 2 

I %io*>yT MiH t'lKry 

CC *'*'*• 

J aOHY B. 


Copyright, 1908, by Harper & Brothers. 

rights reserved. 

Published October, 1908. 


TO 


MY LITTLE GRANDSONS 

CHARLEY AND BOB 








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CONTENTS 


CHAP. 

I. A Mysterious Stranger 3 

II. Camping-out 

III. Jip Arrives 32 

IV. Wag, for Short 4I 

V. Staggers 55 

VI. The First Trout 57 

VII. Improvements 73 

VIII. Ellery’s Mother 35 

IX. At the Watering-trough 96 

X. A Visitor IO9 

XI. Uncle Sam Hg 

XII. The Cannon 129 

XIII. Through the Woods 138 

XIV. Pickerel I49 

XV. The Menagerie 162 

XVI. Another Celebration 171 

XVII. A Contribution to Science 182 

XVIII. The Woodchuck’s Hole I93 

XIX. The Counterfeiters’ Den 200 

XX. Jip Finds a Supper 209 

XXI. The Ladder 215 

XXII. On the Road 228 


CONTENTS 

CHAP. PAGE 

XXIII. The Hay-barn 236 

XXIV. The Haven 248 

XXV. Em to the Rescue 263 

XXVI. Explanations 273 

XXVII. Uncle Weary’s Story 282 

XXVIII. The Bear-hunt 291 

XXIX. The Trophy 301 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


“'let’s have some fish!”’ 

“they 'filed in’” 

“in the cool shade of the trees” . . . 

“he proceeded to give staggers a bath” . 
“one of them rubbed, while the other 

painted” 

“laughing as she pinched his cheek” . . 

“fort-building by the spring” 

“the hunters were shouting and cheering 
wildly” 


Frontispiece 


Facing p. 

. 52 


a 

62 

- 

iC 

76 


it 

96 


a 

116 


a 

122 


a 

300 





THE KIDNAPPED 


CAMPERS 


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THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


OHAPTEE I 

A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 

AECHIE, don’t yon want to go with ns for 
JlX. a ride this morning?” called his father 
from the front porch. 

E’o, I’m tired of the ante,” was the peevish 
answer of the boy, who lay langnidly stretched 
ont in a hammock under the trees before the 
house. 

That’s the answer I get to everything I pro- 
pose lately,” said Mr. Stebbins, turning to 
Archie’s delicate little mother, who sat beside 
him. He isn’t interested in anything. I don’t 
know what to make of it, for I don’t believe he’s 
lazy.” 

I’m afraid it isn’t the right climate here,” 
said Mrs. Stebbins, in a troubled tone. “ Archie 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


seems to be getting thinner, and his eyes are no 
better.’’ 

Perhaps we ought to change doctors ?” sug- 
gested Mr. Stehbins. 

I don’t see the use of that,” replied his wife. 

Dr. Jones is very faithful, and he seems to 
know all the new medicines.” 

I don’t believe in experimenting with new 
medicine,” said Mr. Stebbins, rising. The 
old, tried remedies are quite good enough. Sup- 
pose we take Archie to Summit when we go to 
visit mother. I’d like to have our old Dr. Pond 
see him. He has a lot of horse - sense, and of 
course any amount of experience.” 

Mrs. Stebbins shook her head. Ho, I should 
want to see your doctor first myself.” 

Well, we can send for Archie if you like old 
Dr. Pond,” said Mr. Stebbins, with an air of 
decision. 

Yes, that would be the best plan,” agreed 
his wife. I think we would better start to- 
day. I shall never have a moment’s peace until 
Archibald begins to improve.” 

Very well. I’ll telephone at once for the 
auto. We can safely leave the boy with Kate 
and the doctor for a day or two, and come after 
him, or return to go on vtdth Dr. Jones, accord- 
ing as we decide.” 

I can tell as soon as I see Dr. Pond, if he 
4 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 


will do/’ said Mrs. Stebbins, as she hurried 
into the house to make preparation for her 
journey. 

Within an hour the anxious parents left for 
another ITew England village where Mr. Steb- 
bins’s mother lived, leaving the forlorn little boy 
in the dark as to their plans for him. He was 
very lonely and discontented, and spent most of 
the afternoon looking idly down the dusty road 
where their automobile had disappeared. 

The next morning about ten o’clock Archie was 
under the trees again, when, to his amazement, a 
young man suddenly appeared, coming so softly 
in his canvas shoes that the child had not heard 
his approach. 

Hello, sonny ! How are you ?” asked the 
stranger. 

The drawling tones were so good-natured that 
Archibald almost smiled as he turned his pale 
little face toward the young man, who stood in 
the shade of a big elm-tree. 

“ I’m pretty well,” said the child. 

Look rather peaked. Been sick lately ?” 

Ho, I’m not sick.” Archibald spoke fret- 
fully, and turned from the gate on which he had 
been swinging and walked listlessly toward the 
house. 

The stranger followed and soon overtook him, 
5 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


continuing to talk in friendly tones. Don’t 
see how I could have made such a mistake. Any 
one could see with half an eye that you’re no 
baby, and, of course, you don’t want to be called 
sickly.” 

Archie looked up at his pleasant caller, shad- 
ing his red eyes with a transparent hand. I 
can ride a bicycle,” he said, in a cheerful tone. 

’Course you can. I knew that the minute I 
got a good look at you. Your pa must be proud 
of such a boy as you are. I expect he’s got a lot 
of money to build such a fine house as that,” 
pointing to a white cottage among the trees. 

Pooh ! That’s nothing ! That’s Aunt Kate’s 
house. You ought to see ours at Rochester. It’s 
lots bigger and prettier than that.” 

And you are visiting Aunt Kate with your 
pa and ma, ain’t you ?” 

We’re all visiting Aunt Kate. But my 
father and mother aren’t here now. They’ve 
gone to Summit, to my grandmother’s.” 

“ Yes, I see. And you have to stay and take 
care of Aunt Kate.” 

Archie swelled with importance. I’m not 
afraid of tramps and burglars, like Aunt Kate !” 

Anybody would know that by looking at 
you. I’d like to see the tramp you couldn’t 
drive away! That’s Aunt Kate looking at us 
now through the window, isn’t it ?” 

6 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 


!No, that’s Minna. She’s the hired girl. 
Aunt Kate has gone to the sewing-society.” 

Minna isn’t afraid of tramps, is she ?” asked 
the stranger. 

Ko, she’s Dutch,” said Archie, contemptu- 
ously. She can’t talk English much. I don’t 
suppose she ever heard of a tramp.” 

By this time they were on the piazza, the hoy 
curled up in a big chair, and the young man 
seated on the railing, fanning himself with an 
old straw hat. 

I suppose Minna won’t mind my being 
here ?” he asked. 

Ko. She never comes out here, and we al- 
\vays have lots of callers on the piazza.” 

What’s your pa’s first name ?” 

Archibald,” said the little boy, promptly ; 
and I’m named for him. My name’s Archi- 
bald Forrest Stebbins, but everybody but mother 
calls me Archie.” 

Look like your pa, too, don’t you ?” said the 
stranger. 

Do you know my father ?” said Archie, ex- 
citedly, going closer to the stranger. 

Know him by reputation, sonny. You’ll 
be surprised when I tell you what I’m here for.” 

Oh, do tell me, quick. Has father sent me 
a pony-cart ? He said he’d bring me one.” 

Ko. Better than that. Your pa says I can 
7 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


take you on a fishing trip. We’d better start 
right off, for perhaps we will make some stops 
on the way.” 

Oh/’ exclaimed Archie, I’d like to go ! 
But mother said I had to stay here so the doctor 
could tend to my eyes every day. I wonder 
why she changed her mind.” 

What does the doctor do to your eyes ?” 
asked the stranger. 

He puts drops in ’em.” 

Does it hurt you ?” 

Well, if it does, I don’t let him know. I’m 
not a cry-hahy.” 

Ho, of course not; and your father wants 
you to he a real boy and learn to hunt and swim 
and fish this summer.” 

Oh, what fun !” said Archie. But how 
strange for them to let me do these things ! They 
never would before. Mother’s afraid I’ll drown 
if I go near the water, and the doctors all say 
I mustn’t exercise, or it will heat my blood and 
make my eyes worse.” 

I guess your folks have got a doctor now 
with some sense,” the young man said, rising 
and putting on his hat. And then he added, 
looking at his watch : If we catch that train 
we must hustle. You better tell the hired girl 
your uncle has come to take you to your pa.” 

Shall I call you uncle ?” said Archie. 

8 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 


You may if you like/’ 

I’d like to. I have only one uncle, and I’d 
like another.” 

All right. Folks call me Weary sometimes. 
Y^ou better tack the ^ uncle ’ on that name. 
You can tell Minna to put us up a good lunch, 
can’t you?” 

But aren’t we going to wait for Aunt 
Kate?” 

I’ll leave a note for Aunt Kate if she isn’t 
here. You get me pencil and paper, and I’ll 
write it now while you see about the lunch. 
Ask the girl to put in cold chicken and boiled 
ham, if there is any in the house.” 

The paper was produced, and the young man 
wrote : 

Miss Stebbins, — I am here to take Mr. Stebbins’s son 
away. He has found a good doctor, and is anxious to try 
a new treatment for his eyes and general health. I am 
sorry I can’t wait to see you, but Mr. Stebbins is anxious 
to lose no time. W. Williams. 

Archie now came into the room with a large 
paper parcel. Will this he enough, do you 
think. Uncle Weary ?” he asked. 

Yes, I guess that ’ll do. Kow we must get 
your clothes and start. I’d better go with you 
and pick ’em out.” 

Archie led the way up the stairs as fast as 
his thin legs would carry him. His large, airy 

a 9 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


bedroom had a closet containing his clothing, 
which the stranger entered at once and brought 
out an overcoat, a straw hat, and a heavy pair 
of shoes. 

Shall i wear this suit I have on V’ said 
Archie. It was of white duck, with a blue silk 
necktie, and looked very fresh and dainty. 

'No. That T1 never do for fishing and hunt- 
ing. Let’s see if we can find something more to 
the purpose.” 

He went into the closet again and came out 
with a plain gray suit, which Archie said he 
wore on rainy days. 

This is what you want. Hop into it, quick, 
and put on the hat and shoes, while I fold up 
your overcoat.” 

The little fellow needed some help with the 
dressing, as in his excitement his fingers fum- 
bled with the buttons. But they were soon 
ready and out on the piazza, when the young 
man paused. Oh, I forgot something,” he 
said. You better bring along your bank. You 
may need your money.” 

Archie ran back and returned in a moment 
with a red box, which was heavy with dimes and 
nickels, and handed it to his new guardian for 
safe-keeping. 

How much have you here ?” asked Uncle 
Weary, putting it in his coat-pocket. 

10 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 

I don’t know ; bnt there must be a lot. It 
hasn’t been opened since Christmas.” 

Well, you’ll need it all, I expect, for fish- 
ing-tackle and rubber boots.” 

At this the heart of the little boy thumped 
with excitement and expectation as he walked 
down the village street with his companion, who 
answered his string of questions with the great- 
est good-humor. 

When they reached the post-office Archie was 
told to stay outside by the door while Uncle 
Weary went in to inquire for some letters he 
expected, and to get another boy who was wait- 
ing for him. In a moment he came out with a 
little fellow somewhat taller than Archie, but 
just as thin and pale. ]N^ow you two kids walk 
down the street to the station, and when I get 
my letters read I’ll overtake you,” said the 
young man. 

The boys eyed each other silently at first, and 
then Archie broke the ice by asking, “ What’s 
your name ?” 

Eddie,” answered the child, timidly. 

Mine’s Archie. Are you going with us 

I suppose so. The man said my uncle 
Charley told him to take me away from here.” 

My father sent for me, too. Where does 
your uncle live ?” 

At Shackville.” 


11 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Is that near Summit, where my father is 

It’s ten miles from there.” 

Where do your father and mother live ?” 

They’re dead,” said Eddie, sadly. Uncle 
Charley sends me to school here. I board at 
Mrs. Sims, over in that brown house. She is real 
mean to me, and I’m glad I’m going away.” 

Was she mad at you for leaving?” asked 
Archie. 

She doesn’t know I’m going yet. The man 
met me on the way to school, and said he was in 
such a hurry I’d better write her about leaving. 
He told me what to say, and I mailed it in the 
post-office, where he told me to wait for him.” 

Did you have money enough to pay your 
fare on the cars ?” 

I don’t know. I gave the man two dollars 
that Uncle Charley sent me to buy shoes, and he 
said it would pay part, anyway, and he said he’d 
carry my watch for me, too. I never rode on the 
cars. I’m kind of ’fraid to.” 

Archie spoke with much surprise and some 
contempt. Hever rode on the cars ! Why, 
how did you get here ?” 

Uncle Charley brought me in his wagon. 
Shackville isn’t on the railroad.” 

Huh ! I’ve been more than a hundred miles 
on the cars. I’ve been to San Erancisco, and 
I’ve been on the ocean. I’ve been to Europe.” 

12 


A MYSTERI|)US STRANGER 

Eddie looked at his companion with great 
admiration and respect, and just then IJncle 
Weary joined them. Well, boys,’’ he said, 
I’ve got some great news for yon, hut I haven’t 
time to tell you now, for there comes the train, 
and we’ve got to hurry.” 

There was barely time to buy tickets and 
jump on board. Eddie was very much fright- 
ened and sat trembling on the edge of his seat, 
but fortunately for him the train soon stopped, 
and they all got out at the station of a little 
country village. 

What place is this ?” asked Archie. 

Come along with me and I’ll tell you,” said 
Uncle Weary. “ Your pa and your uncle think 
it will be good for you both to camp out a little, 
and I’m to look after you. We’re going to walk 
part of the way.” 

But we can’t walk,” said Archie, in dismay. 
We’ll never get there.” 

You don’t know what you can do till you 
try. I’m going over to that store to buy some 
things. If anybody asks you questions, don’t 
answer. I don’t want you should speak to any 
one.” 

The young man’s manner had changed en- 
tirely. He was still good-natured and quiet, 
but there was an air about him which told them 
he expected to be obeyed. This was a new ex- 
13 


THE KIDNAPPER ^CAMPERS 

perience for Archie, and he felt rebellions, bnt 
there seemed to be nothing else to do, so he trot- 
ted along with Eddie, and they entered the conn- 
try-store, where all sorts of things were for sale. 

Uncle Weary bonght first two snbstantial 
market - baskets, and placed in them his pnr- 
chases as fast as they were made. The eatables 
were a loaf of bread, a piece of pork, a sack of 
corn-meal, some coffee, sngar, and .salt, and a 
bottle of syrnp ; and to these were added fishing- 
tackle, a frying-pan, a coffee-pot, an iron kettle, 
and some tin cnps and plates. 

These yonr boys asked the friendly store- 
keeper, peering over his glasses at the little fel- 
lows. 

They’re mine by adoption. Sickly kids. I 
don’t know’s they’re worth raising.” 

I’m not sickly,” began Archie, indignantly. 
Bnt the yonng man grasped his arm with such 
force that the child cried out with pain. 

What’s the matter, bub?” said the merchant, 
kindly. Something hurt ye ?” 

I’ll give him a dose that ’ll do him good ! 
Come on, children,” said the young man. 

Live ’round here ?” asked the store-keeper, 
following them to the door. 

ISTo, we don’t. We’re just travelling for 
our health.” 

Campin’ - out and roughin’ it, I s’pose. 

14 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 


Good idee. Wish I could do that with my lit- 
tle girls. One on ’em is always ailin’. A good 
spell of sleepin’ and eatin’ in the open air would 
he the makin’ of her, but my wife — ” 

Is that the main-travelled road to Melton ?” 
interrupted the young man. 

Yes, that’s it. Go straight ahead. You 
can’t miss it. Any o’ your folks livin’ in Mel- 
ton ?” 

Ho, beyond there.” 

Pretty long walk for them puny young ones, 
ain’t it?” 

We’ll stop overnight on the way.” 

How, boys,” he said, as they walked on, I 
want you should understand one thing. You’ve 
got to mind me or there’ll be trouble. Your 
folks want I should act as your father while 
you’re in my care. I told you to keep still and 
not talk, and the first thing Archie did was to 
contradict me. How I won’t allow disobedience 
again without punishment, you understand?” 

Yes, sir,” said Eddie, softly. 

Well, I don’t want you to say I’m sickly,” 
said Archie, angrily. 

It makes no difference what you want, 
young man. You must obey me.” 

You said you were going to be a father to 
us. Well, my father never makes me mind.” 

Ho, I see he doesn’t; but he expects me to 
15 


THE KIDNAPPED^ CAMPERS 


make a good, sensible, sound boy out of a pretty 
weak, spoiled specimen, and the first doctoring 
I do is to make you obey orders.” 

My father wouldn’t like to have you telling 
lies about me.” 

The child spoke with clenched fists, his little 
body trembling violently. 

. You’re an impudent boy, and if I don’t do 
anything more. I’ll take that out of you.” As 
he spoke the young man took a knife from his 
pocket, opened the blade, and cut a long switch 
from a shrub at the wayside and began to trim 
off the leaves. 

How I don’t want to use this on you, and if 
you’re a good, sensible boy like Eddie, I won’t 
have to,” he said. 

I was never whipped in my life,” said 
Archie, fiercely. 

There always has to be a first time, you 
know, but I don’t believe you are going ,to be so 
silly as to need a whipping. All I ask of you 
is to keep quiet and not speak unless you’re 
spoken to, and always obey orders whether you 
like ’em or not. If you don’t trust me and do 
as I say, you can’t have the good times I was 
planning — fishing and hunting and swimming 
and camp-fires, and all that.” 

The child was silent. He did not care for the 
whipping, but he was afraid if he spoke he would 
16 


A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER 


cry, and he could not endure the disgrace of that. 
Besides, he wonld rather do almost anything 
than give np the sports that had been promised 
him. 

Presently the yoimg man said, “ Well, which 
shall it he? Are yon going to obey orders like 
a man and have a good time ?” 

Archie did not answer at first, bnt after a 
while he looked np to his qnestioner’s face and 
deliberately said, “ Yes.” 

See that yon do,” was the only comment on 
his snrrender. 


CHAPTEK II 


CAMPING-OUT 

A bout half a mile from the village they 
. came to a small river, where they halted, 
and Uncle Weary helped the children to climb 
over a stone wall into a green meadow which 
sloped to the water’s edge. He seemed familiar 
with the Spot, and led the way to a shady nook 
behind a clump of willows, where they could not 
be seen from the road. 

The boys were almost exhausted, and sank 
down on the grass at once. 

How you stay here till I see about supper,” 
said their guardian. Don’t speak a word till 
I get back;” and, taking an empty basket with 
him, he immediately disappeared. 

The word “ supper ” revived the spirits of the 
children somewhat. They obeyed instructions 
and did not speak, and lay quietly watching the 
ripples on the water and the shadows of the trees 
in the woods back of them; but, after awhile, 
they became vei^y much excited over the ad- 


CAMPING-OUT 


vances of a gray squirrel, who came quite near 
them, and then ran away with skips and hounds 
when he saw that they were boys, and not logs, 
as he had at first supposed. 

In a short time the young man returned with 
his basket full. How, boys,’^ he said, briskly, 
skip to those woods and bring me a lot of dry 
sticks and chips for a fire.” 

Archie could not see well enough to make 
much headway at this task, but Eddie was very 
quick, and soon had an armful of fuel, part of 
which he gave to Archie to carry. They found 
Uncle Weary busily preparing some potatoes 
and ears of green corn for cooking. Eddie 
knew how to build a fire, and soon had one 
crackling between two stones. The new kettle 
and cotfee-pot were scrubbed with sand and then 
filled with water, and the to 

How let’s have some fish,” said th|^oung 
man, going to the woods with his^'^mrf open. 
He brought back two poles of the ri^ht length 
and thickness, and fastened ithe fi§hing-lines on 
them. Then he cut pieces of salt pork for bait 
and told the boys to go to work. 

Archie was wild with delight as he dropped 
his hook in the water, and screamed with ex- 
citement when his first little sun-fish lay flap- 
ping on the bank. 


19 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Here, bub,’’ called Uncle Weary, you’ll 
never be a fisherman if you yell like that. Don’t 
you know you’ll scare all the fish off ?” 

Eddie was used to the sport, and was very 
quiet. He ran with a beaming face every time 
his companion drew a fish from the water, to 
take it off the hook for him and knock its head 
on the pole to kill it. 

See, Uncle Weary,” said Archie, coming up 
to the camp-fire, I’ve caught six, and Eddie has 
only five.” 

Well, you better not brag about it. You 
didn’t take one off the hook, did you ? If Eddie 
hadn’t done that for you he would have as many 
as you.” 

Well, I’m going to take ’em off the next 
time, and then I’ll get the most, too.” 

When you do, it ’ll be time to crow,” said 
Uncle Weary, dryly. 

He had some slices of salt pork sizzling over 
the fire in the frying-pan, and the little shiners 
the boys brought were prepared very quickly 
and put on to fry in the hot fat. 

^^Did pretty well for beginners,” said the 
young man, as he deftly turned the fish over. 

We’ll go down the river to - morrow, maybe, 
and get some bigger ones. How you kids get 
out the plates and cups, and we’ll have supper 
in no time.” 


20 


CAMPING-OUT 


Everything smelled delicious as they gath- 
ered round the heaped plates, and they all ate 
heartily. At first Archie hesitated. I’m 
not allowed to have anything fried,” he said, 
as the delicately browned fish was put on his 
plate. 

That’s all right when you are at home, hut 
you can eat everything when you’re camping- 
out. Go ahead. It won’t hurt you.” 

The child obeyed this order very cheerfully, 
and enjoyed a more abundant meal than he had 
ever done in his life before. Eddie, too, cleaned 
his tin plate in an astonishingly short time, and 
looked wistfully at the sandwiches and cake of 
Archie’s luncheon. 

Here, sonny, take some more,” said Uncle 
Weary, helping him again to fish and potatoes. 

You look as though you had never had enough. 
Fill up for once.” 

The little boy laughed joyfully and ate all 
that was given him, including a large slice of 
Minna’s nice cake. Some fine red apples were 
found in the bottom of the basket, and the chil- 
dren were told to take all they wanted. 

Mother doesn’t allow me to eat any but 
stewed fruit,” said Archie, looking longingly at 
the bright apples. 

She wants you to eat everything on this 
trip,” said the young man, briefly; and Archie 
21 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

did not stop until he had devoured three of the 
apples, while Eddie ate four. 

Gracious ! I guess you youngsters had bet- 
ter quit before you split your little jackets,’’ 
said Uncle Weary, good - naturedly. I want 
you to do the chores now — wash the dishes first;^ 
then get a lot of wood for the fire for morn- 
ing. After that I’ll show you how to dig bait. 
If you’re good hoys I’ll let you fish again to- 
morrow.” 

The children were entirely rested now, and 
went cheerfully to their tasks, especially to the 
last one. 

Uncle Weary took them to an old decayed 
stump and found in the rich soil around it a 
number of long angle -worms. Eddie picked 
them up eagerly and put them in an old tin 
can which some picnickers had left. • 

Archie, why don’t you help Eddie said 
Uncle Weary. You’re not afraid of a little 
worm, are you ?” 

The boy backed away, with his hands in his 
trousers-pockets. Ho, I’m not afraid, but I 
never touched a worm, and I don’t think I’d 
like to.” 

All right. Eddie and I’ll do the fishing 
to-morrow. If you’re too nice to handle bait, 
you’ll never be a fisherman.” 

Can’t we use pork bait again ?” 

22 


CAMPING-OUT 


N^ot when we can get good angle-worms like 
these. We have to eat the pork ourselves.” 

I’ll handle the worms to - morrow,” said 
Archie. 

You’ll have to, if you do any fishing.” 

Here’s enough. Uncle Weary,” said Eddie, 
coming up with a can full of wriggling creatures, 
which were trying to escape and which the boy 
put back. 

Yes, that will do. How cover them with 
earth, and tie a piece of paper over them so they 
can’t get out.” 

Archie felt the deepest admiration and envy, 
as he watched the operation, and resolved that 
he would take the horrible, slimy, repulsive 
things in his hands to-morrow if it killed him, 
but not to-night. He’d have to think about it 
a little longer. 

After a while Uncle Weary went off into the 
woods, and when he came back, with his arms 
full of spruce boughs, it was growing dark and 
the mosquitoes were beginning to sing. 

Whew !” said he, as he threw his burden 
down near a clump of bushes. I guess we’ll 
have to make a smudge to keep off the skeeters.” 

Eddie understood all about smudges, and pres- 
ently had some damp leaves on the live coals, 
making a dense smoke. Archie’s eyes were al- 
ready smarting, and the smoke made them 
23 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


worse, but it was better than mosquito bites, 
and, though he was very sleepy, he sat patiently 
with Eddie on a log until Uncle Weary should 
be through with his pipe and tell them what to 
do next. 

Hullo P’ said the young man, at last, seem- 
ing to remember them. You look rather 
droopy. I suppose it’s time to go to bed. That 
bush over there ’ll make a good hotel, I guess. 
It’s up by the timber, and a little dryer than it 
is here by the water.” 

Why, ain’t we going to sleep in a house ?” 
said Eddie, in dismay. 

House nothing. We’re camping-out, aren’t 
we? People don’t sleep in houses when they’re 
camping. You go to bed now on those spruce 
boughs, and you’ll find it a good one.” 

Eddie began to cry. Oh, Uncle Weary, 
don’t make me sleep there. I’m afraid of the 
bears in the woods.” 

How look here, young man, none of 
that whimpering,” said Uncle Weary, sternly. 

You’re not a baby. You’re nine years old, 
aren’t you? — a year older than Archie. He 
isn’t afraid. Stop your crying, or you’ll have 
to sleep alone under another bush.” This awful 
threat was so terrifying that Eddie wiped his 
eyes, gulped down his sobs, and helped to ar- 
range their rude bed. 


24 


CAMPING-OUT 


Uncle Weary, I forgot my night - gown. 
What shall I do said Archie. 

“ Shucks ! You don’t need night-gowns when 
you sleep out-doors. Birds and squirrels don’t 
have night-gows, do they ? Go to bed now, and 
don’t let me hear from either of you till morn- 
ing.” 

They cuddled down in their clothes among the 
soft boughs, Archie’s protecting arm over the 
shuddering Eddie, who soon forgot his troubles 
in a sound sleep. Archie’s inflamed eyes and 
burning mosquito bites kept him awake a long 
time, listening to the mournful cries of the whip- 
poorwill and trying bravely to keep from being 
homesick. He raised his head at last, and saw 
Uncle Weary down by the camp-flre evidently 
smoking another pipe. When he finished that 
he went toward the boys with a cup in one hand 
and a wet handkerchief in the other. The cup 
contained strong salt - water, with which he 
bathed the swollen little faces and hands, and 
laid the handkerchief over Archie’s eyes. 

There,” he said, not unkindly, I guess you 
can get to sleep now.” 

The relief was so great that Archie dropped 
ofl immediately, and knew nothing more till the 
morning sun shone in his face. Eddie sat up 
soon after, and they were both bewildered until 
they saw Uncle Weary asleep near them on a 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


bed like their own, and then they remembered 
'where they were. Their movements wakened 
the young man, who said, sleepily, It’s too 
early to get up boys. Take another nap.” But, 
seeming to have a second thought, he added, If 
you want to you may try starting the fire. I 
guess there’s some coals left under the ashes.” 

Eddie was soon raking them out, and, show- 
ing Archie how to put on dry twigs at first, 
afterward larger sticks, he presently had a fine, 
blazing fire. Archie’s eyes were better. Eddie’s 
tear-stained face had a hint of red in it, and 
they both felt ravenously hungry when Uncle 
Weary woke and joined them. 

What shiftless fellows you are !” was his 
first remark. Why aren’t you washed and 
combed ?” 

There’s no wash-bowl or towel,” said Archie. 

You’ll find a towel in that basket, and 
what’s the matter with the river for a wash- 
bowl? Come along with me.” And, taking 
them to a sandy spot near the edge of the 
stream, he thoroughly washed his hands and 
face and neck, using the yellow soap freely. 
The children followed his example as well as 
they could, and then all used a little comb which 
Uncle Weary carried in his pocket. 

Then the preparations for breakfast began. 
First the boys were shown how to peel and 
26 


CAMPING-OUT 


slice the cold potatoes for frying. The kettle 
was used to cook hasty - pudding in, and they 
were told how to make coffee. The children 
felt as though they could not wait until the 
meal was ready, hut they set out the plates and 
cups, and settled down on the grass as patiently 
as possible. 

“ Breakfast is now ready in the dining-car !” 
sang out Uncle Weary, at last, and the young- 
sters rushed for their tin plates, which they held 
out greedily for the hot mush. It was a very 
familiar dish to Eddie, but Archie had never 
eaten it before, and he thought it the most de- 
licious food he had ever tasted, especially as he 
was allowed to have all the black syrup on it 
that he wanted. The potatoes, hot coffee, and 
Minna’s sandwiches came next. The hoys had 
never tasted coffee before. It was thought to 
he rank poison for children in Archie’s home. 
But Uncle Weary told them a little would not 
hurt them, and would he better than river 
water. So they each drank a cupful, well sweet- 
ened, and finished the meal with all the apples 
they wanted. 

Uow, hoys, when you get the work done up 
I’ll tell you the programme for the day. You 
wash the dishes and get a lot of wood and chips 
ready while I have my smoke.” 

As he spoke, in his quiet, drawling tones, 
27 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Uncle Weary filled his pipe and sat down on 
a log in the shade. It was now about seven 
o’clock, and the day promised to be hot and 
dry. But it was still cool in the woods when 
the children gathered the fuel, and the process 
of cleaning the dishes was very simple. They 
took them to the river’s edge and scoured them 
with damp sand and pieces of newspaper. Then 
they stacked them neatly under the willow and 
came to Uncle Weary for further orders. 

Through so quick ? Well, you’ve done pretty 
well for such little shavers,” he said, good-nat- 
uredly. We’ll stay here to-day. It’s going to 
be too hot to walk. 'Now you pull off your shoes 
and stockings and go to fishing.” 

Eddie was used to going barefooted, but it 
was a new experience for Archie, and at first 
a painful one. But he did not complain, and 
when the sharp stones cut his tender white feet 
he only shut his lips tightly and said nothing. 
A harder ordeal was before him when the bait 
was brought out. But he went through it brave- 
ly, although he was so nervous that the first 
worm he tried to handle fell on his foot and 
made him jump and scream. But he mastered 
his nervousness and managed to fasten his bait 
on the hook, and in a moment was completely 
absorbed in the sport. 

The fish were plentiful, and the boys had 
28 


CAMPING-OUT 


enough for dinner in about an hour ; when Uncle 
Weary, with the towel in his hand, strolled 
toward them. 

^^Bite pretty well, don’t they?” he said. 

You’ve got enough for to-day. Eddie, you 
take the fish to the camp, cover them up close 
in the kettle so the dogs won’t get them, and then 
we’ll go in swimming.” 

Eddie obeyed joyfully, and in a few minutes 
was stripping off his little shirt-waist and trou- 
sers. But Archie hesitated. He wanted very 
much to learn to swim, but it seemed a tremen- 
dous undertaking to plunge into that dark water. 
He had never had a bath except in the luxurious 
bath-room at home or the plainer one at Aunt 
Kate’s. The doctors had prescribed a certain 
temperature for the water, which was regulated 
by a thermometer, and there were days when 
he was not thought strong enough for this, and 
had to be sponged with alcohol. 

But he would not show the white feather.” 
If Eddie, the coward, could go in swimming,” 
it wouldn’t hurt him. So he made himself ready 
and stepped gingerly over the grass to the 
stream, where the other two were already splash- 
ing about. 

Uncle Weary laughed when he saw him. 

Well, if you ain’t the skinniest little chipmunk 
I ever saw. Come along and let me souse you.” 

29 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


He took the little fellow in his arms, and, 
wading to a deep place, jumped up and down 
with him, the water going sometimes entirely 
over their heads. 

Don’t hang on like that, Archie,” said Uncle 
Weary. I ain’t going to drown you. See 
Eddie. Don’t you want to swim like that ?” 

Archie’s teeth were chattering with fright, but 
he controlled himself and did not scream, and 
when he was put into a shallow place, where he 
felt safe and stood on his feet, he began to see 
there was no daiiger. The water was warm, the 
sand soft under his feet, and the overhanging 
trees kept off the hot sun. And then he suddenly 
realized that this was the best fun he ever had 
in his life. Eddie’s sweet face had a very happy 
expression as he came swimming up to ask how 
he liked it. 

Do you think I could learn to swim, Eddie ?” 
asked Archie, wistfully. 

’Course you can. I’ll teach you. It’s just 
as easy !” 

But Uncle Weary would not allow that. Hot 
to-day, boys,” he called. Archie must get used 
to the water first. He’s had enough for to-day. 
If this don’t hurt him I’ll let him go in to-mor- 
row.” 

They had an early dinner, with all the fish and 
roasted potatoes and apples they could eat, and 
30 


CAMPING-OUT 


afterward Uncle Weary and Archie took a nap, 
while Eddie amused himself by throwing stones 
into the river. 

It was still hot at four o’clock, hut they took 
a walk in the cool woods, where the children 
tilled their pockets with all sorts of treasures, and 
Uncle Weary looked for a patch of red rasp- 
berries, which he found after awhile. They ate 
some of the ripe fruit, and then walked on until 
they came to a wire fence. It was rather old, 
with long strips of the wire lying loose on the 
ground. Uncle Weary wound up several yards 
of this into a coil and tied it with a string, which 
he took from his pocket. 

What are you going to do with that. Uncle 
Weary?” asked Eddie, who, for the first time, 
ventured to ask a question. 

You’ll see,” was his answer. 


CHAPTEE III 


JIP AERIVES 



ETEE supper, as they sat near the smudge, 


Uncle Weary was more sociable than he had 
been through the day. Want to know what I’m 
going to do with this, Eddie, do you he asked, 
untying the coil of wire. Well, you watch me, 
and perhaps you’ll find out. I wouldn’t be sur- 
prised if Mr. Eabbit and Mr. Squirrel would like 
to know, too.” 

Oh, I see !” said Eddie. You are going to 
make a trap. Are you going to put it in the 
woods to-night ?” 

Will it be like the mouse-trap our cook sets 
in the kitchen ?” asked Archie. 

You boys ask too many questions,” said Un- 
cle Weary. You just watch, and you’ll find 
out a thing or two.” 

He laughed as he spoke, and seemed so good- 
natured that the little boys laughed, too, and 
came as near as they could without getting in 
the way of the skilful fingers, which were weav- 


32 


JIP ARRIVES 


ing a snare such as farmer boys make. The ma- 
terial he had was too coarse for the noose which 
would go round the neck of a captive, so the 
young man took a fine, slender wire from his 
pocket and fastened it securely to the larger one. 

Uncle Weary, did you know you were going 
to make this trap when you picked that up to- 
day V’ asked Eddie. 

I always have things that will come in handy. 
It isn’t safe to leave string or wire or nails or 
such things round where I am. They always 
go into my pockets. I learned that when I was 
a boy on the farm.” 

Did you always live on a farm. Uncle 
Weary?” said Archie. 

“Do I look like a farmer? Well, I was one 
till I was eleven. Father moved to town then.” 

“ Did he keep a store ?” Eddie asked. 

“ Why, was your pa a store-keeper ?” 

“ Yes, he had a grocery store in Shattuck.” 

“ I suppose you stole raisins and candy, as all 
grocers’ boys do ?” said the young man. 

Eddie laughed, and then said, sadly, “ I was 
too little for that when pa died.” 

Uncle Weary stirred the smudge to make it 
smoke, and remarked : “ I expect you boys would 
be surprised if I should tell you I’m a doctor. 
Don’t be scared, Archie. I’m not going to dose 
you. I only give medicine to horses and cows.” 

33 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


How funny !” laughed Archie. I didn’t 
know horses and cows had doctors. How do they 
let you know when they are sick 

Send their children for the doctor, of course. 
Didn’t you ever hear a calf bleating out ^ baa, 
baa ’ ? Well, he’s like as not calling for the doctor 
for his ma.” This was such a funny idea that 
the children had a good laugh over it, and then 
Archie asked : 

Do you like being a cow doctor. Uncle 
Weary ?” 

You never saw any one who had just what 
he wanted, did you? I taught school two win- 
ters. You needn’t turn pale, Eddie. I’m not 
going to make you learn the multiplication table. 
But the doctors said I must live out-doors, so I 
had to give up teaching and do what I could. 
How it’s Archie’s turn to tell us what his pa is,” 
said Uncle Weary. 

He’s a banker. He was a soldier once, and 
some people call him colonel now. I’m going to 
be a soldier when I grow up.” 

It’s time you were learning to obey orders, 
then, if that’s the case. You know you have to 
do just what your superior officer tells you, with- 
out asking any questions or any back talk. I 
shouldn’t wonder if that’s one of the reasons your 
pa -Ranted you .to come with me this trip, to teach 
you your first lesson in soldiering.” 

34 


JIP ARRIVES 


Archie had nothing to say about this, and, as 
the snare was by this time finished, they all went 
into the woods to hide it in the bushes. There, 
now,’’ said the young man ; if we have good- 
luck we’ll have a pot-pie to-morrow. Go to bed, 
kids ; we want to get a good start in the morn- 
ing.” 

They were all soundly sleeping before the dark 
really settled down, and it seemed as though their 
eyes had barely closed when the morning light 
wakened them. Uncle Weary was seated before 
a good fire, a fine rabbit by his side, and a fresh 
supply of vegetables in a basket near at hand. 

Why, Uncle Weary ! You’ve been to the 
market, haven’t you ?” Archie exclaimed. 

And the trap caught that nice rabbit, didn’t 
it ?” said Eddie. 

You boys ask and answer your own questions 
in the same breath, so I don’t have to waste mine. 
Uow I want you to wash as quick as you can, and 
see if you can’t get breakfast all by yourselves. 
If you’re smart about it I’ll show you how to 
skin the rabbit, and we’ll have it for dinner.” 

With a little help, the children prepared the 
com - meal, the coffee, and the fried potatoes. 
Three eggs were boiled in the coffee in their 
shells, and there were plenty of delicious apples. 
Then Uncle Weary took his jack-knife from his 
pocket, and, after sharpening it on his boot, be- 
35 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

gan to skin the rabbit. Tbe boys watched him 
eagerly, asking questions which were sometimes 
answered and sometimes laughed at. But they 
began to feel acquainted and much more free 
to talk than on the first day. Stockings and 
shoes came off again when it was time to fish, 
and finally Uncle Weary was ready to go in 
swimming.” 

I can learn to swim to-day, can’t I asked 
Archie, eagerly. 

I guess so. Seemed to do you good yester- 
day. But you mustn’t stay in long the first 
time.” 

The lesson was given in shallow water near 
the hank, under Uncle Weary’s directions, with 
Eddie acting as an example. Uncle Weary kept 
one hand under Archie’s chin, while he told him 
how to use his arms and to kick out like a frog. 
It was soon over, and Archie lay panting on the 
grass, exhausted, but happier than he had ever 
been in his life. The dinner was excellent. The 
boys thought rabbit stew, with corn, potatoes, salt 
pork, and crusts of bread, all cooked together, 
was the most delicious dish they had ever 
tasted. They all ate of it until not a spoonful 
was left and the bones were picked clean. While 
they were eating their apples they saw a little 
dog lurking in the woods. 

Archie jumped up and exclaimed: Oh, Un- 
36 


JIP ARRIVES 


cle Weary, see! That looks like Aunt Kate’s 
Jip! Do you suppose he has followed us?” 

• Go toward him and see.” 

Archie whistled and called: Jip, Jip ! Come, 
good-fellow 1” But the dog only wagged his tail 
and whined. 

^^Ko, it isn’t Jip,” said Archie; but he 
looks like a nice dog. I wish he’d come to us.” 

Uncle Weary rose and, walking quietly toward 
the woods, spoke in a friendly tone and patted 
his knee. 

The little fellow came out from his cover, inch 
by inch, and finally crouched at the young man’s 
feet. 

They were all around him now, petting and 
giving him bones and bits of cold mush. He 
seemed almost famished and ate all they gave 
him greedily. 

Oh, do let’s keep him 1” said Eddie. 

Hot much 1 We don’t want any such dirty, 
tough specimen as that,” began Uncle Weary. 
But just then the little outcast rubbed against 
his leg, and wagged his stumpy tail with so much 
confidence that the young man stooped down and 
patted his head, saying: Well, all right. If 
you boys will take care of him and see that he 
doesn’t get into mischief, I’ll let him stay awhile 
and see how he behaves.” 

They named him Jip at once, and the boys 
37 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


began playing with him. But that was stopped 
quickly by Uncle Weary, who said: Now, you 
wash the dishes and I’ll wash the dog. You 
mustn’t touch him again till he’s clean.” 

This was more easily said than done, for Jip 
didn’t like the water, much less the yellow soap 
which got into his eyes. He struggled and cried 
as hard as he could, but it was of no use. He 
had to obey Uncle Weary, as every one else did, 
and came out of the water shivering and very 
unhappy, but much improved in wholesomeness. 
He was tied to a tree with a string and left to 
dry, while Archie was sent to bed for a nap, 
which lasted until about four o’clock. Then 
Eddie wakened him by shaking his shoulder and 
saying: Archie, get up, quick! We’ve got to 
leave here right off.” 

The child sat up bewildered. What’s the 
matter?” he asked. 

A man has just been here and says this is 
his meadow, and he don’t want us to stay any 
longer.” 

Where is he ?” asked Archie. 

He went away, but he said he was coming 
back in an hour, and if we wasn’t gone he would 
have us arrested.” 

Archie jumped up at this, and the boys ran 
excitedly to Uncle Weary, who was leisurely 
packing the baskets. No hurry, boys,” he said, 
38 


JIP ARRIVES 

in his usual drawl. Lots of time. I know of 
a better place than this. I was going there to- 
morrow, but we’ll get a good start to-night. Cool- 
er travelling in the evening, anyway.” 

While he was talking he unrolled a paper and 
took out a little girl’s sunhonnet. It was clean 
and whole, but faded and patched. 

Made a dicker with a farmer’s wife for this. 
Sold her a receipt for a new kind of soft soap. 
I want you should wear it, Archie. It ’ll he bet- 
ter to keep the sun and wind from your eyes 
than your hat.” 

The boy started back. I won’t do it,” he 
said, angrily. 

Well, I guess you will. I guess I can find a 
way to make you do it,” said the young man, 
picking up a stick that lay near him. 

ISTo, you can’t ! You may whip me till I’m 
dead, but I won’t wear a girl’s sunhonnet.” 

Uncle Weary threw down the stick. Well, 
I’m surprised,” he said, in a tone of disgust. 

You pretend to be a manly boy, and you behave 
just like a girl. Girls act without reason, and 
so do you. You’d better be a boy in girl’s clothes 
than a girl in boy’s clothes.” 

Uncle Weary, couldn’t he wear my hat ? 
It’s got a broader brim than his,” said Eddie, 
timidly. 

But the young man brushed him aside without 
39 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


reply, and continued to Archie : Besides, you 
promised to obey orders. I supposed you were 
the kind of a boy that would keep his word. You 
might know I wouldn’t ask you to wear the bon- 
net without a good reason. A manly boy would 
know girls’ clothes wouldn’t make a girl of him, 
and he’d do as he agreed and ask no questions; 
but I see you’re not the chap I took you for.” 

Uncle Weary turned away and began tying 
covers on the baskets. 

I’ll wear it,” said Archie, in a stifled voice, 
and stood with hands clenched and his little form 
rigid while the ignominious garment was fasten- 
ed on him. 

iNothing more was said, and the little proces- 
sion took up its march, first climbing the stone 
wall and then tramping down the sandy road. 

Uncle Weary led the way with the baskets, and 
Jip brought up the rear, the only cheerful mem- 
ber of the party. 


CHAPTEK IV 


WAG, FOR SHORT 

4 KCHIE’S moody face was hidden under his 
snnbonnet. He was trying to keep back 
angry tears, for he felt positively disgraced and 
longed to escape. It did not occur to him to 
run away, for he had given his word to stay and 
obey orders.’’ He was too proud to beg, and 
he felt sure that would do no good. There was 
no escape and nothing to do hut hear as courage- 
ously as possible whatever came to him, and to 
hate himself and his tyrant with all his might. 
Eddie was very woe - begone, too, and they all 
trudged in silence, until they came to a patch 
of berries which grew by the roadside. They 
scrambled through the bushes, so that they could 
not he seen by passers-by, and began to gather the 
ripe fruit. 

See that house over yonder ?” said Uncle 
Weary. Well, I’m going there to make some 
inquiries. I’ll soon come hack. Yoli must stay 
here and keep out of sight. If the dog harks. 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

don’t speak or call to him, and don’t say a word 
to each other.” 

The hoys continued to gather berries in silence 
after he was gone, and they had the coffee-pot 
half full when he returned with a lot of eatables 
in an old tin pan. He found the children seated 
on the grass, Eddie playing quietly with dip, and 
Archie looking glum and miserable. 

Uncle Weary put the pan down and took off 
the paper covering, saying, cheerfully: Nice 
old lady over there. See what she sent you.” 

Eddie jumped up, exclaiming, rapturously. 
Oh, pie !” But Archie looked off in another 
direction. 

See ! and doughnuts and cheese and cake,” 
continued Eddie, putting his hand on Archie’s 
shoulder and pointing to the tempting food. 

But Archie would neither look nor eat. I’m 
not hungry ” was all he would say when a plate- 
ful of good things was placed in his lap. 

Uncle Weary put his hands in his pockets and 
looked quizzically at the child. I wouldn’t 
act like that, huh, if I were you,” he said, 
quietly. It ain’t sensible. You’re cutting off 
your nose to spite your face. Now, I was going 
to let you wear your hat again in a few days, 
when your eyes get better. They were improv- 
ing very fast, hut they will he as had as ever 
if you pout and won’t eat. I guess you’ll have to 
42 


WAG, FOR SHORT 

keep on being a sissy as long as you act like 
one.” 

When can I wear my hat again said 
Archie, looking up breathlessly. 

That depends on yourself. I should think 
in a couple of days or so, when we get to the 
place where we’re going. But you’ll have to 
chirk up and eat and sleep all right, or I 
don’t know when I’ll let you wear it.” 

The boy’s relief was almost too great for words, 
and his only answer was to begin to eat greedily. 
His mother would have been shocked if she 
could have seen her delicate little son at his 
supper. But two days and nights of gypsy life 
go a long way toward changing the habits of 
small boys. He could not remember when he 
had been allowed to have all he wanted of things 
he liked, and, now that he was happy again, he 
took advantage of his opportunity. 

After supper Uncle Weary brought out a 
cracked teacup which he said the old lady had 
given him. In it was an ointment made of mut- 
ton tallow, which he put on lip’s back. The lit- 
tle fellow kept perfectly still while the boys held 
him. He evidently liked the feeling of the sooth- 
ing stufF, and barked and wagged his tail in ap- 
preciation when the operation was over. 

They walked until dark after that, and slept 
under a hay-stack in a field near a red barn. 

43 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


For breakfast they had bread and butter, left 
over from the night before, which tasted very 
good in the cool morning air, especially as they 
had some berries to eat with it. When they had 
finished these they were much surprised to have 
their cups filled with warm milk poured from the 
coffee-pot, and to be told to drink all they^ wanted 
of it. 

My ! How good that tastes ! Where did you 
get it. Uncle Weary said Eddie. 

Didn^t you hear the milk -wagon go by 
awhile ago ? You ought to have got up when I 
did. But we mustn’t let the milk -wagon get 
ahead of us. We want to get on while it’s cool.” 

Jip had caught a chipmunk, on which he made 
a good breakfast, and seemed in wildest spirits 
as they started out on their day’s march. His 
poor little back was much better, and, since he 
had plenty to eat and had found such kind 
friends, he looked and acted much more like 
a self - respecting dog. The children had great 
fun with him, throwing sticks and stones in the 
road ahead, which he would run and pick up; 
and when he grew tired of this he would dart 
across a meadow or through the woods after birds 
and squirrels, always coming back quickly with 
happy little barks and antics which made them 
all laugh. 

Uncle Weary seemed to enjoy playing with 
44 


WAG, FOR SHORT 


him almost as much as ■ the boys, and they all 
reached a deserted stone - quarry about noon in 
very good spirits. 

This is all right for a camp if we can find 
any water,’’ said the young man, looking around. 

Anyway, there must he a watering-trough near. 
We haven’t passed one for some time.” 

He started off with the kettle, and came hack 
in a few minutes with enough to make mush and 
to wash their dusty faces and hands. The dinner 
was not as good as usual, hut they had plenty 
of apples and berries, and after their sleep in 
the afternoon they felt much refreshed. There 
were clouds in the sky, and the air was cooler 
when they started on about four o’clock. But 
they had not gone very far before Archie asked : 

Are we almost there. Uncle Weary?” 

Tired, sonny ?” asked the young man, kindly. 

Just a little,” said the hoy, stoutly ; hut his 
lagging, stumbling steps showed that he was al- 
most exhausted, and made his guardian halt and 
look about for a resting-place for the night. 

There’s a school-house over there,” he said, 
presently, pointing to a little red building a few 
rods away. Guess we’d better make for that ; it 
looks like rain, and it wouldn’t he a had idea to 
get under a roof.” Eddie put his arm round 
Archie ; Uncle Weary took one of his hands in his 
own, and, almost lifting the tired little hoy, they 
45 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


managed to get him to the steps of the school- 
house. 

Most deserted spot I know of, after four 
o’clock,’’ commented Uncle Weary, as he broke 
open the door. They went into the small, bare 
room, where Archie was made to lie on one of the 
low benches, with his overcoat rolled up for a 
pillow. He immediately fell asleep, while the 
other two unpacked the baskets. 

Rather slim picking for three able - bodied 
men, isn’t it ?” said the young man, as they gath- 
ered the remnants of the eatables on the tin 
plates. There was a small piece of pork, a few 
crackers, and a handful of corn - meal. Uncle 
Weary looked at them with a cheerful smile as he 
said : Looks as though I’d have to go to the 
gi’ocery store, don’t it ?” 

He started for the door, but stopped, exclaim- 
ing : swan ! I believe we’re going to have a 

thunder-storm right off.” 

They had been too busy to notice the sudden 
darkness. But now the wind rose and blew the 
shutters of the windows with a banging noise, 
and the thunder and lightning were terrifying to 
poor Eddie, who turned pale and began to cry. 

A sound of flapping wings made Uncle Weary 
listen at the door. Those must be pigeons. I 
guess they have nests round here,” he said. 

Eddie, you stay and take care of Archie till 
46 


WAG, FOR SHORT 


I get back. I’m going to the woodshed to look 
for squabs.” 

Oh, don’t go and leave us ! I’m so afraid,” 
moaned the child. 

What you frightened about ? A little thun- 
der isn’t going to hurt you, is it ? Do you want 
Archie to be sick ? Well, he will be if he doesn’t 
have a good supper. You get a fire started be- 
fore I come back.” 

Eddie dried his tears, found some kindlings in 
a box, together with some dried sticks of wood, 
and, with a match he found in the basket, had a 
fire crackling in the stove when the young man 
returned with half a dozen little birds. 

Just as I thought,” he said. Pigeons have 
some nests in the woodshed. 'Now make a rous- 
ing fire and put the kettle on with some water. 
You’ll find it in that pail over there.” 

The child forgot his fright as he hurried to 
make himself useful, and while the young man 
prepared the birds the other put the pork in the 
kettle with the water, and then began to look 
for what the school-children might have left of 
their luncheons. He found a number of slices 
of bread and some remnants of pie and cake in 
the desks and brought them to Uncle Weary, who 
said : Yes, that’s right. That ’ll help out a good 
deal. Shouldn’t wonder if we had a good supper, 
after all.” He stirred the corn-meal into the 
47 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


stew, added the plump birds, and soon the little 
room was filled with such a delightful odor that 
Eddie, who was always hungry, felt he could 
hardly wait until the meal was ready. 

But his patience was not greatly taxed, for the 
squabs were tender, and it was not long before 
the crusts went into the stew and Uncle Weary 
announced that it was time to dish up.’’ 

The wind had gone down and a steady rain 
was falling, and when Archie was awakened it 
was almost dark because of the heavy gray clouds. 
He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and then smiled 
delightedly as he smelled the stew. His nap and 
the good supper seemed to make him over, and 
after eating he sat on the bench very contentedly 
while the dishes were washed and baskets packed. 

By seven o’clock the storm was over and the 
long summer twilight began. 

The weather had been hot and dry for more 
than a week, and the rain was much needed to 
lay the dust in the roads and make the crops 
grow. The little boys thought it had come for 
their benefit, too, for the air was delightfully 
cool when they came out of the school - house. 
They pulled off shoes and stockings and paddled 
in the pools of water lying in the road. They 
talked of playing hide-and-seek back of the shed, 
but Uncle Weary said they were too tired for 
that and must go to bed early. 

48 


WAG, FOR SHORT 


« We’re going to sleep in the school - house, 
ain’t we ?” said Eddie. 

Sleep in a house ! Not much. Bad air and 
a hard bed when you can get a soft one, and all 
the good air there is ? What are you thinking 
about !” 

But it’s so wet out-doors,” argued Eddie. 

What if it is ! Do you good. Keep you 
green and juicy to get wet once in a while. You 
don’t want to be a dried-up old man before your 
time, do you ?” 

The children always enjoyed Uncle Weary’s 
joking, and by this time they knew he would 
take good care of them whatever happened; so, 
after he had knocked the ashes from his pipe 
and turned up his trousers, they followed him 
through the wet grass across a brook to a clump 
of lilac-bushes which had evidently belonged to 
a house long ago burned. A few stones and 
charred timbers were all that remained. Back 
of these ruins was a little tumble-down stable, 
where they found some dry straw which made 
nice beds for them, and they soon slept, with 
the lilac-bush their only shelter, and with sweet 
sounds and scents all about them. 

Archie looked and felt like another person in 
the morning, when Eddie waked him with the 
leg of a broiled chicken thrust under his nose. 
He was only half awake when he looked up into 
49 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


the bush above him, and the story of Elijah, 
which he had learned in Sunday - school, came 
into his mind. 

Where did that come from he said. Did 
the ravens bring it 

^No, of course not,’’ laughed Eddie. “ Uncle 
Weary got it and cooked it this morning. Ain’t 
it good!” 

Archie took the smoky, scorched morsel and 
ate it ravenously, while Eddie stood by smiling. 

We’ve got a lot of good things down by the 
brook,” he said, when Archie had picked the bone 
clean. Uncle Weary said to tell you breakfast 
will soon be ready.” 

Where’s Jip ?” asked Archie. 

Oh, he’s found a squirrel and has got it most 
eaten up.” Eddie felt very happy to be the 
bearer of so much news, and led the way to the 
little stream, where they washed their faces in 
the cold water, and came to breakfast looking 
clean and rosy. 

They found the tin cups filled with warm 
njilk, a pot of hot coffee standing on some coals, a 
plate of roasted ears of ^corn, and two chickens, 
which had been cut into joints and cooked by 
holding them on forked sticks over the fire. 

What’s that ?” said Archie, wonderingly, as 
he watched Uncle Weary turn over a big, slight- 
ly scorched piece of dough in the frying-pan. 

50 


WAG, FOR SHORT 


DonH you know a pancake when you see it ? 
You haven’t travelled much, I see.” 

It looks awful good,” said Eddie. I hope 
there’s lots of syrup to put on it.” 

I’m hungry enough to eat a good, hot pan- 
cake without any syrup. I guess, if you must 
have it, though, you’ll find some in the bottom 
of the bottle. But you must fill up on plain 
things. This cake is to top off with.” 

There were plenty of plain things ” for 
everybody, including Jip, who seemed to think 
chicken bones an improvement on raw squirrel. 
Mrs. Stebbins would have called the cake, with 
its heavy inside, totally indigestible and unfit 
for the human stomach, but her little son ate 
a large slice of it with "great relish, and would 
have been glad to get more if there had been 
any left. 

They were still sitting on the grass near the 
road when a boy about fifteen years old came 
in sight, with a bay horse and a spring-wagon 
which contained several cans of milk and a bas- 
ket with rolls of butter done up in white cloths. 
The boy jumped out and loosened the check-rein 
on the horse as he came near the group on the 
grass, looking at them with a wondering grin. 

Where you going, sonny ?” asked Uncle 
Weary, as the boy led the horse to the brook to 
water him. 


51 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


The new-comer did not answer, but continued 
to stare. 

Want to swap V’ asked Uncle Weary, taking 
kis jack-knife from his pocket. 

The eyes of the boy glistened. How’ll you 
trade he asked, showing a knife not nearly so 
good as the other. 

Goin’ up Melton way said Uncle Weary, 
casually, as he came to the wagon to examine the 
knife. 

Yep. Goin’ to take milk and butter to 
the hotel.” 

Summer folks there yet V’ 

Whole lot on ’em.” 

About three miles from here, isn’t it ?” 

Three and a half.” 

Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll trade 
knives with you if you’ll give us a lift to Melton 
and throw in a pound of butter to boot.” 

The boy scratched his head and said : I have 
to have money for all the butter I sell.” 

Well, here’s a quarter. How, that’s more 
than fair. A knife and a quarter for a ride and 
a pound of butter.” 

Can’t you make it thirty cents ?” said the 

boy. 

Humph !” said Uncle Weary, shutting up 
his knife and putting it in his pocket. I guess 
you don’t want to trade very much.” 

52 



•‘they ‘filed’ in 
















WAG, FOR SHORT 


Well, see here. A ride three miles and a 
half is worth. a whole lot,” protested the hoy, as 
Uncle Weary turned away. 

I see you don’t know the worth of a good, 
new four-blade of the best make. Go on with 
your old cart. I don’t ask any odds of you.” 

Well, pile in.” said the hoy. I’ll take the 
quarter.” 

The baskets and hoys were packed into the 
hack of the wagon. Uncle Weary took his seat 
by the driver, and the big horse started up the 
road at a good trot. But he soon fell into a walk 
when they came to a long hill, which proved to 
he one of many. The whole distance to Melton 
seemed to the boys one continuous climb. But 
the ride was delightful after the dusty tramp of 
the day before. They sat in the back of the 
wagon with their feet hanging out, calling and 
whistling to Jip, while Uncle Weary talked to 
the farmer’s boy, who was very sociable and 
friendly now, and gave his companion a great 
deal of useful information about the farmers 
whose houses they passed, particularly as to 
where cross dogs were kept. 

The two were quite on joking terms when at 
last, about eight o’clock, they reached the pretty 
little mountain village of Melton. When the 
horse stopped they all jumped to the ground, and 
while Uncle Weary was getting out his things 
53 


V 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

and the boys were putting on their stockings and 
shoes, the farmer’s boy took his basket to the side 
of the road to get the roll of butter. He found a 
piece of paper and a string in the wagon, and 
presently gave the young man a neat package. 

The knives were then exchanged, the quarter 
changed hands, and the boy got into the wagon 
and took up the reins. 

“ What’s your name, bub ?” said Uncle Weary. 

I hope we’ll see you again this summer.” • 

“ My name’s Lem Judkins, but some folks 
call me ScalaAvag — Wag, for short,” said the 
youngster, grinning over his shoulder as he drove 
off. 


CHAPTEE V 


STAGGERS 

C OME on said Uncle Weary. By this 
time the hoys were not surprised at any- 
thing they were told to do, and trotted without 
question by his side until they came to a street- 
car track half hidden by weeds and grass. 

“ Sit down here, kids, and wait till ^ Time in 
the Primer ’ comes along in his ^ One - boss 
Shay,’ ” said Uncle Weary, filling his pipe and 
lighting it. 

The children had no idea what he meant, hut 
they laughed, and, after playing with dip on the 
grass for a while, Eddie began to teach Archie 
to play mumhle-the-peg. 

They were very eager over the game, and be- 
came so absorbed they did not notice that a white 
horse attached to a tiny street-car was jingling 
toward them. As it came nearer they understood 
Uncle Weary’s remark. An old, white - haired 
man was driving a nag as bony and wheezy as 
himself. The track ended where Uncle Weary 
and the boys were; and while they entered and 
55 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


took their seats, the old man led the horse round 
to the other end of the car, hitched him to it, and 
started hack. 

He doesn’t remember me,” said Uncle 
Weary, in a low voice, hut never mind. J ust 
as well. Keep still, hoys, and don’t you answer 
any questions.” 

The car went through the principal street of 
the village, passed a large, white hotel, a number 
of shops and public buildings quite close together, 
and then jingled into the residence quarter, 
where, among the quiet, plain 'New England 
houses, were scattered a number of modern cot- 
tages standing in pretty, well-kept lawns. 

Uncle Weary rose and walked to within talk- 
ing-distance of the driver. 

Those look like summer - houses,” pointing 
to the left. 

They be.” 

Folks here yet?” 

Some on ’em.” 

The young man reached into an inner pocket 
and brought out a cigar, which he handed to the 
old man with a friendly nod. 

The driver took the cigar, and looked at his 
passenger for the first time with an air of in- 
terest. Live around here ?” he asked. 

Ko ; come for a few weeks with these chil- 
dren.” 


56 


STAGGERS 


Goin’ to stop at the hotel, I s’pose.” 

“ I ffuess not. It looks rather too rich for my 
blood.^’ 

Cur^us for me to make such a mistake, but 
I took you for one o’ them city swells,” chuckled 
the old man. They’re mostly too grand to 
speak to country folks ; but, now I look at ye, I 
see you’re not dressed up much. I guess you’re 
just common folks, like the rest on us.” 

The old man cackled merrily, and Uncle 
Weary, laughing too, said : You’ve hit it right 
this time, old fellow. Common people are good 
enough for me.” 

The children were at the other end of the car, 
trying to keep Jip from jumping off. The driver 
glanced at them and remarked, by way of show- 
ing his interest in his new acquaintances, Them 
young ones of yourn look rather peaked, and by 
the looks o’ their clothes I guess they haven’t got 
any ma.” 

They’re all right,” said the young man. 

We all have to wear rough clothes, for we’re 
going to pick berries on the mountain.” 

That so ! Well, there’s a lot on ’em to pick 
this year, and a lot needed, too, at the hotel. I 
guess we’re goin’ to have a pretty good season.” 

They were the best of friends when they 
reached the end of the line about eight o’clock. 
There were no other passengers, and the little 

5 57 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


boys walked freely about, one of them always 
with a tight grip on the dog, and while their 
elders were chatting they ran to the back plat- 
form or kneeled on the seats to look out of the 
windows at the pretty cottages and flower-gardens 
they were passing. 

Presently Uncle Weary noticed that the old 
horse was going very slowly, occasionally stop- 
ping entirely, and remarked, Your old nag has 
seen his best days, hasn’t he 

He’s not so old, but he’s good for nothin’ ! 
Plumb played out ! The boss told me I’d better 
not take him out to-day, but I thought it was 
goin’ to be cloudy and sort o’ cool, and perhaps 
he could stand one trip. But the sun’s come out 
hot, and I dunno as I can git him home.” 

The poor beast was staggering blindly now, 
and presently fell on the sand by the side of the 
track, apparently dying as the two men freed 
him from the harness. 

I guess his time’s come at last,” said the old 
man. I s’pose I ought to put him out of his 
misery. I got an axe along. The boss told me 
to knock him in the head if he had any more o’ 
them fits again.” He started for the car, but 
stopped, and, shaking his head, continued: I 
swan ! I can’t bear to do it. I’ve drove him ten- 
odd years. He’s as kind a critter as ever drew 
breath.” 


68 


STAGGERS 


I see,” said Uncle Weary, sympathetically. 

You don’t want to kill him, and you wouldn’t 
want to see it done, either, and I don’t blame 
you. ITow, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. You walk 
back to the barn and get another horse for the 
car, and I’ll see that the old fellow sha’n’t suffer 
long.” 

You ain’t strong enough to bury him alone,” 
protested the driver, looking critically at the thin, 
stooped shoulders of the young man. 

Don’t you worry about that.” 

The old man still hesitated. I ought to pay 
you,” he began. 

Never mind. I don’t want pay,” broke in 
Uncle Weary. Just tell your boss he’ll never 
see his old nag again. He’s gone where the good 
horses go.” 

Well, if you’d just as soon, I guess I’ll let 
you do it. You’ll find an axe and a shovel under 
the seat. You better put the harness in the car.” 
And without another word, and turning his back 
on his dying comrade, the old man pottered sadly 
down the track. 

Uncle Weary called after him: We sha’n’t 
be here when you get back. We’re going on up 
the mountain.” 

The old man nodded assent without turning 
his head, and went on. 

The boys had been told to stay in the car with 
59 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Jip, and did not understand the situation. But 
Uncle Weary called to them now to bring him 
the baskets, and, taking out the kettle, the coffee- 
pot, and the frying-pan, he told the children to 
follow him. The street - car track stopped at 
right angles with a highway which skirted the 
foot of the mountain. They turned into this and 
ran a few yards until they came to a watering- 
trough under a tree by the side of the road. 
Here they filled their utensils with the cold, 
clear water which ran from a pipe into a hol- 
lowed log and hurried back to the horse, who 
was feebly gasping. The water was dashed over 
his head, the towel, which had been wet at the 
trough, was bound round his forehead, and then 
t Uncle Weary poured some brandy from a flask 
into the empty syrup bottle, added some water 
to it, and succeeded in getting the mixture down 
the animal’s throat. He choked and snorted, but 
seemed to revive at once, and before long, with 
a little help, was able to rise. 

What’s the matter with him. Uncle Weary ?” 
asked Eddie. 

I should say it was a case of too much diet- 
ing,” said the young man, dryly. 

Do you mean he doesn’t get the right things 
to eat ?” asked Archie. 

The old bag of bones looks as though he 
didn’t get half enough of anything. Come along, 
60 


STAGGERS 


Mr. Staggers, and let^s see if a drink of cold 
water won^t set you up.’’ 

By mucli coaxing and dragging at the halter, 
they managed to get him to the trough and put 
his nose in the water, when he began to drink 
feverishly. Well, I swanny !” said Uncle 
Weary. They’ve been stingy even with their 
water. When it don’t cost ’em anything, either !” 

The horse seemed to feel better after drinking, 
and, walking feebly to the side of the road, be- 
gan to nibble at some grass. 

Your time hasn’t come yet, old fellow, if 
you can eat and drink. Come along now and get 
washed up. You need that about as much as 
victuals.” 

Uncle Weary led him back to the trough and, 
with the towel, gave the old fellow a thorough 
sponge-bath, while the little boys fed him hand- 
fuls of grass. He was so refreshed now that, 
with a good deal of coaxing and urging, he walk- 
ed slowly along the road until they came to a 
grass-grown path which seemed to lead through 
the woods up the mountain-side. Uncle Weary 
turned into this, saying: We’re most there now, 
boys. Keep up your courage, old Staggers, and 
you’ll soon be in the best home you ever saw !” 

The boys were very anxious to know more, 
but they had learned by experience that there 
was very little satisfaction in asking questions. 

61 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


So they made no comments, and walked np the 
winding path in the cool shade of large trees. 
Eddie led Staggers, as they decided to call the 
new member of the family, and Uncle Weary 
carried the bundles and baskets, as Archie had 
all he conld do to carry himself. 

Jip was in the wildest spirits, and darted here 
and there, losing himself in the nnderbrnsh and 
then appearing in the road above them, his lit- 
tle red tongue hanging out, and his sides shaken 
with his panting breath ’as he waited for them to 
join him. 

It took them a long time to reach their stop- 
ping-place, for Staggers was too weak to walk 
more than a few yards without resting; but at 
last, about noon, they arrived at a level spot — 
a sort of clearing — where there were many 
stumps of trees half covered with raspberry- 
bushes. The space was perhaps half an acre in 
extent, letting in a broad sweep of sunlight, 
which contrasted brightly with the gloom of 
the forest which lay around, except on one side, 
where the mountain rose steeply. 

‘‘ Stay here while I go and see if it’s all right,” 
said Uncle Weary, at the edge of the clearing. 

He came back in a few moments looking very 
much pleased. It’s all there, boys,” he called. 

Bring Staggers along.” And he led the way, 
through tangled vines and brush, to a shallow 
62 



( ( 




IN THE COOL SHADE OF THE TREES 







STAGGERS 

cave in tlie mountain-side, with a wide, high 
opening. 

The sides of the cave were of pale -yellow 
glistening rock, and the gravel floor was dry and 
clean, as the sunlight flooded it during the morn- 
ing hours. 

Near the entrance were some smoky stones and 
some ashes, showing that the place had been in- 
habited. Uncle Weary began placing the stones 
together for a Are and unpacked the iron kettle. 
He seemed so happy and so much at home that 
Archie ventured to ask, Have you ever been 
here before. Uncle Weary?” 

’Course ! This is an old camp of mine. 
Here six weeks with a chum last summer. I 
see nobody’s been around since.” 

How can you tell ?” 

I know by the looks of things. Besides, 
everybody in these parts is afraid to come here. 
The cave has a bad name.” 

Why ?” asked both the boys. 

It used to be called ^ Rattlesnake Den.’ ” 

Eddie looked round apprehensively and asked. 

Are they here yet. Uncle Weary ?” 

The young man laughed. You needn’t be 
afraid, you little coward. Peters and I cleaned 
them all out.” 

But doesn’t some one own this land ?” asked 
Eddie. 


63 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


It belongs to some orphans in the city. I 
was told their guardians are lawing over the 
title, and no one comes around. We never saw 
a soul the whole six weeks we were here last 
summer.” 

Does father know about this place ?” asked 
Archie. 

He’ll know about it soon. But we’ve stood 
here fooling long enough. Come with me to the 
spring.” 

They found it in the woods, a few yards away. 
It was a large one, with its water cold and clear 
— a stream running from it down the mountain- 
side. 

Our butter must be pretty soft by this time,” 
said Uncle Weary, taking the package from the 
basket. But if we put it on a stone in this cold 
water it will harden it up by the time we are 
ready to eat.” 

The boys were very hungry and tired, but they 
had learned to be patient, so Archie lay down 
on a bed of spruce boughs and Eddie picked 
berries until the mush and coffee were ready. 

A number of hard crusts were all that were 
left of the bread. 

Lucky we have something to make them go 
down,” said Uncle Weary, whistling as he went 
toward the spring. 

When he came back with the butter he looked 
64 


STAGGERS 


very sober. IVe found a hole in my pocket,” 
he said. Eddie’s watch and my compass are 
gone. Look around carefully among the leaves. 
I’m afraid, though, I dropped them when we 
were doctoring the old horse.” 

They all searched everywhere, but could not 
find the lost articles. 

The little boy was greatly distressed and could 
not keep the tears back. 

I^ever mind, Eddie,” said Uncle Weary. 

That was an old watch. I’ll give you a new 
one in place of it.” 

I don’t want a new one,” said Eddie, sad- 
ly. “ That was pa’s watch. It’s all I had of 
his.” 

Well, it’s no use crying over spilled milk,” 
said the young man, rather harshly. It’s gone, 
and it can’t be helped. You want to be a man 
now. You’re not a baby.” 

The first meal they took in Rattlesnake Den, 
as they called the cave, was rather a sad one. 
Eddie tried to be brave, but his tears kept drop- 
ping into his mush, and Archie’s appetite was 
quite gone. Uncle Weary ate very little, but 
drank a lot of strong coffee, and then told the 
boys he was going to a farmer’s near there to 
get something to eat. Archie was told to take 
his nap, and when the young man was gone Eddie 
led Staggers to the spring for a drink, and when 
65 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


he was quite alone he laid his head on the old 
horse’s neck and had his crj out. 

He felt better after that, and was in quite 
cheerful spirits at their nice supper, with pie, 
cake, and doughnuts for dessert. 

Staggers, too, had a good meal of warm 
^^mash,” into which Uncle Weary put a white 
powder. 

“ Is that medicine asked Eddie. 

Well, it’s not just what you’d call candy, 
but I guess it ’ll make the old fellow feel better 
to-morrow.” 

The whole family, including the horse and 
dog, rested on soft beds of leaves that night, 
and Eddie soon forgot his troubles in a dreamless 
sleep in the pure, out-door air. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE EIEST TROUT 

D PRIHG the next ten days they were all busy 
with work and play, and the time passed 
quickly. 

There were a great many raspberries in the 
clearing, and the boys had been set to picking 
them in the mornings. It was hard for Archie 
at first, and he had so little strength that he was 
allowed to rest often; but in a few days he was 
able to gather a whole quart without stopping, 
and at the end of a fortnight he could keep at 
it until he had four quarts, which was the amount 
required daily. 

Eddie did not mind the work, and his nimble 
fingers usually finished the task first. He would 
have liked to help Archie, but the latter had too 
much pride to allow this, and worked away 
patiently until he could get through almost as 
quickly as Eddie. 

After dinner they usually rested for a time, 
when the boys were always glad to talk with Un- 
67 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


cle Weary, and were never tired of heating him 
tell stories. 

One afternoon, soon after going into camp, 
they were lying on a little grass-plot near the 
spring when Archie asked, Uncle Weary, can’t 
we go fishing to-day 

The young man rolled over and squinted up 
at the sky, which was overcast with clouds. 

Pretty good day for trout,” he said, by way 
of answer to the question. 

Trout !” echoed the little boy, very much ex- 
cited. Are there really trout near here V’ 

Of course. What are mountains for but to 
gather cold water for trout-brooks.” 

Oh, let’s start right aw^ay !” cried Archie. 

Time enough,” said Uncle Weary, easily. 

Don’t be in a hurry. You can’t be a good 
fisherman if you’re nervous. We’ll rest a little 
longer, and then we’ll get our things together and 
start.” 

Archie settled down on the grass again, say- 
ing, I wish I had one of Uncle George’s jointed 
rods here.” 

You don’t need it. There’s one growing for 
you not far away just as good as any new-fangled, 
split-bamboo, nickel-ferrule rod you could find in 
a store.” 

Your uncle is a great fisherman, isn’t he ?” 
asked Eddie. 


68 


THE FIRST TROUT 


I should think so,” said Archie. “ He has 
all kinds of tackle. He showed me once a hook 
he used to catch a big salmon in Horway.” 

What kind of a fish is a salmon,” said Eddie. 

I never saw one.” 

YouVe fished for ’em in a tin can, haven’t 
you ?” asked Uncle Weary. 

Oh yes,” said the little boy, laughing. But 
how do they look in the water, and are there any 
of them in this State ?” 

Well, they’re a kind of elephant trout — that 
is, they belong to the same family. But you 
can’t find ’em in this part of the world. You’ll 
have to put up with the ^ small fry ’ in the salmon 
family.” 

Uncle George had all kinds of flies for 
trout-fishing,” said Archie, as he watched the 
preparations that Uncle Weary now began to 
make. 

ISTo flies on us,” said Uncle Weary. We’re 
going to fish in the woods, so good old angle- 
worms will have to do. Eddie, you get us some 
over by the spring, and put ’em in a tin can and 
bring ’em along. Archie and I will go ahead 
and cut the rods. You will find us down the 
mountain by the thicket of alders.” 

Eddie was very quick to finish his task, and 
soon joined the others. He found Uncle Weary 
trimming some slender, straight alder shoots, 
69 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


on which he afterward showed the boys how to 
tie the lines, which were of fine silk about six 
feet long. Then he fastened the small hooks on 
with a little double-water knot. The boys knew 
how to thread the worms on the hooks so that 
the points were covered. Uncle Weary took from 
his pocket some shot split nearly through, and 
showed the boys how to pinch them together over 
the line just above the hook, to serve as sinkers ; 
and at last each, with a rod over his shoulder, 
was ready to march Indian file ” through the 
woods. 

As they went on they heard the noise of water 
running over stones, and presently they caught 
sight of a beautiful brook fiowing among trees 
and bushes down toward the meadow below. 

Keep quiet !” whispered Uncle Weary. 

Trout are a shy fish. They’re lying in pools, 
like that at the foot of the little rapids, watch- 
ing for food to be swept down to them. Kow, 
Archie !” 

Archie crept eagerly up on the bank, with his 
pole ready. 

Just let your line swing free and drop your 
bait into the current. Let the water sweep it 
down, and steer it toward that dark hole under 
the rock.” 

The boy’s fingers were all thumbs at first, but 
presently they guided his bait down to the pool, 
70 


THE FIRST TROUT 


and as it sank into the dark water there was a 
flash underneath and a sudden pull. Archie 
jerked his pole violently upward, shouting, I’ve 
got a trout!” and then he looked astonished, 
for there was nothing but a circle of ripples on 
the water, and the hook was caught fast in the 
branches overhead. 

I told you it wouldn’t do to be nervous when 
you’re fishing,” said Uncle Weary. “ You must 
learn not to snatch your hook away from the 
trout. Give him a chance, and handle your pole 
more gently. Uow you’ve scared the fish here. 
We’ll move down to another pool.” 

They made their way cautiously farther down 
the stream, where Uncle Weary pointed to a 
basin of deep water beneath a fallen, moss-grown 
hemlock that lay across the brook. 

There’s a likely place,” he said. Keep 
cool!” 

Archie tried hard to control himself as the 
bait moved down into the dark water. There 
was a sudden tug. Archie let the fish dart to 
and fro in the shadow until he could feel that it 
was securely hooked, and then swung a fine trout 
out upon an open space on one side. The boy 
thought he had never seen anything so beautiful 
as that olive back and the vermilion spots of the 
sides and the ivory white along the fins. 

It must weigh all of a quarter of a pound,” 
71 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


said Uncle Weary, as lie showed the Jittle boy 
how to string the fish on a forked stick. 

I wish I had a photograph of him to show 
to Uncle George,’’ said Archie, still gazing at 
his prize. 

‘ One good turn deserves another,’ ” said 
Uncle Weary. You’d better catch some more, 
now that you’ve learned the trick of it. If you 
don’t look out, Eddie ’ll get ahead of you. I 
expect he’s got a lot of them by this time. How, 
I’ll go off and fish, too, and we’ll see who can 
do the best.” 

Eddie needed no lessons in fishing. He had 
caught many strings of trout on his uncle’s 
farm. He seemed to have the knack of the real 
fisherman, and knew how. to make the fish take 
his bait. So at the end of the afternoon, when 
it was time to go home, he had a string of trout 
almost as long as Uncle Weary’s. 

Archie had done very well for a beginner, as 
Uncle Weary told him, and followed the others 
back to camp a very satisfied and happy little 
boy. 


CHAPTER VII 


IMPKOVEMENTS 

AFTER that the hoys often went fishing in 
.x\.the afternoons, and Archie seemed never to 
tire of the sport. They always had so many more 
trout than they needed that Uncle Weary sold 
them at the hotel, together with the berries picked 
in the forenoons. 

He always brought hack groceries and house- 
hold supplies, so that, with the fish and berries, 
and the squirrels and rabbits which were snared 
in the woods, they had plenty of good food. 

The little half-acre had been very much im- 
proved, so that it looked almost like a well-kept 
garden. Uncle Weary had brought home a 
pair of pruning-shears and trimmed the ragged 
bushes, and tied them to stumps and stakes driven 
into the ground, so that the children could easily 
gather the fruit. 

The underbrush was cleared away and the 
dead branches burned. There was a house for 
dip, a rabbit-warren made of wire in which three 
little bunnies were kept, a coop held an old hen 
6 73 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


with a dozen chickens, which had been brought 
home from one of Uncle Wearj’s expeditions, 
and a nice little garden flourished by the door 
of the cave. 

Uncle Weary said he could not wait for seeds 
to grow, so he told the children one day, soon 
after they came, that he was going to pass around 
the contribution-plate. They knew this was one 
of his jokes, and were not surprised at night 
when he came home with a lot of vigorous plants, 
which he set in beds already prepared for them. 
The ground was so rich, and they had such good 
care, it was not long before there were lettuces, 
radishes, and young onions for the table ; and a 
flower-bed with nasturtiums, geraniums, and 
phlox was the joy of Eddie’s heart. 

The little dog was well now and happy. The 
children were very fond of him, and taught him 
all sorts of tricks, like shaking hands, jumping 
over sticks, and standing on his hind legs. He 
was very handsome and remarkably intelligent, 
learning new tricks as fast as they were shown 
him. A favorite game was hide-and-seek, when he 
would jump into barrels and boxes and run be- 
hind trees and into the cave exactly as the boys 
did. One day he jumped from a box to Staggers’ 
back. Another time he rolled a barrel round the 
clearing with his hind feet, much to the children’s 
astonishment. 


74 


IMPROVEMENTS 


When they told Uncle Weary, he called the 
dog to him and looked him over carefully. 

He’s blooded, all right,” was his comment. I 
thought as much. I expect he’s a trick dog. 
Probably strayed away from some show.” 

Will we have to give him up ?” asked Archie, 
anxiously. 

If they come after him, of course. He’s 
worth a lot of money.” 

But they can never find him here, can they ?” 

I don’t know. Perhaps not. I guess they 
cast him ofl:‘ when he got scalded, thinking he’d 
never be good for anything again.” 

Oh, I hope so,” said Eddie, earnestly. 

Anyway, they don’t deserve to have him any 
more. He would have died if you hadn’t been 
so good to him and cured him.” 

I think myself it was pretty lucky for Mr. 
Jip to fall into the hands of a dog doctor.” 

And he really belongs to us, doesn’t he ?” 
said Archie. 

Well, he isn’t good for much, but if you boys 
like him I’ll let him stay if you’ll tend to busi- 
ness and work hard.” 

The boys promised fervently, and Jip con- 
tinued to sleep between them at night and was 
their constant companion by day. 

Staggers slept a good deal, but he had a fine 
appetite, and ate heartily of the warm mash ” 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Uncle Weary gave him every day, and by the end 
of the first week the boys were able to ride him 
slowly round the clearing. 

One day Uncle Weary was more busy than 
usual. He had found somewhere a big brass 
kettle which he used to wash clothing in. He 
filled this with water and walnut bark, and put 
in a powder he had bought at the drug store in 
the village. The whole was placed over a fire 
and kept simmering for several hours. When the 
liquid was cool he proceeded to give Staggers a 
bath with it. The horse did not seem to mind, 
and when he became a rusty brown color kept 
on nibbling grass as though nothing had hap- 
pened. 

When the boys brought their berries to the cave 
at noon they were greatly astonished, and Eddie 
exclaimed : Oh, look at Staggers ! What’s the 
matter of him. Uncle Weary 

Why, I think he looks better than he did, 
don’t you? How I’m going to see what I can 
do for Archie.” 

The child was rather pleased. He had always 
disliked his red hair. Boys had sometimes called 
him sorrel-top,” and when they wanted to tease 
him particularly they would pretend to burn 
their fingers by touching his head. He could 
never understand why it was his mother’s pride 
and delight, and submitted, with a very poor 
76 



a 




HE PROCEEDED TO GIVE STAGGERS A BATH 











IMPROVEMENTS 


grace, to having it cnt square across his neck 
and forehead instead of cropped close in a man- 
ly fashion, like his father’s. 

After dinner Uncle Weary seated him on a 
stump and, with a pair of shears bought the day 
before, quickly clipped the bright, thick locks 
and threw them in the fire. Then he used the 
same dye that had transformed Staggers, and 
made the boy’s hair a dark brown. 

Archie was breathless. Would he be allowed 
now to be a boy again ! He had worn patiently 
and stoically the hateful little girl’s sunbonnet 
for two weeks. He had hoped every day that 
he would be freed from this degradation, but he 
had not dared ask for it. His guardian said 
nothing, and Eddie never mentioned the matter, 
and Archie was sometimes afraid that it had 
been forgotten. But now he was almost sure he 
was to be rewarded for his patience. The boyish 
cut of his hair and the bundle by Uncle Weary’s 
side were enough to give him hope, and when a 
pair of overalls and a little hickory shirt were 
taken from the parcel and he was told to put 
them on he was too happy for words. 

“ There, now, you look like a man and not 
like a baby,” said Uncle Weary. Your pa’ll 
be pleased when he sees you. You ain’t much 
like the sickly little kid we started with.” 

“ Doesn’t he look nice,” said Eddie, admiring- 
77 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


ly, as Archie strutted around with his hands in 
his pockets. 

He don’t want to put on airs and get stuck 
up over his clothes/’ said the young man. 

Handsome is that handsome does. Don’t for- 
get now all I’ve told you. I don’t want you 
should answer questions, anyway, more than you 
can help. If folks talk to you, just play you’re 
bashful and don’t say anything. Eddie will be 
all right, hut Archie likes to talk too well. I 
want him to promise to keep his mouth shut and 
let Eddie do all the talking when you meet folks 
that question you.” 

I don’t see why I can’t talk for myself,” 
said Archie, moodily. 

All right. It seems you’re not man enough 
to keep your word and obey orders. You have 
to argue like a girl about what you don’t like 
to do. Pretty kind of a soldier you’d make! 
I’m getting sick of my job of trying to make any- 
thing hut a baby of you.” 

Oh, I’ll promise. I’ll do what you say. Un- 
cle Weary.” 

You’re sure now ? I don’t want to be talk- 
ing to you all the time. When a man says he’ll 
do a thing that ought to be the end of it. Are 
you going to obey orders without hack talk after 
this ?” 

Yes, I will,” said the child, eagerly. 

78 


IMPROVEMENTS 


Well, I’ll try you once more,” said the young 
man. I am going to send you both to the hotel 
with the berries. How, remember, Eddie’s to do 
every bit of the talking.” 

The boys promised obedience, and they started 
with well-filled baskets for their first trip to the 
village. 

Archie’s own father and mother would not 
have recognized him that day. He had lost his 
languid, delicate look, and his dark, short hair 
showing a little under his big farmer’s straw hat, 
his brown eyes now almost well, and his tanned 
and freckled face, all so changed him that ho 
would be taken almost anywhere for a rugged 
country boy; especially now that his hands and 
feet were much swollen and scratched by briers, 
and he had lost two front teeth since he left home. 

Uncle Weary had given directions to take the 
berries to the back door of the hotel, and tell 
whoever met them that they had been sent by 
Mr. Williams, and were to wait for the money. 
Afterward they were to go to one of the village 
stores and buy some coffee and some sugar. 

I don’t see why Uncle Weary won’t let me 
talk,” said Archie, as they walked along the 
shaded road. 

Hor I, either,” said Eddie. I can’t bear 
to speak to strangers, and you’d do it so much 
better than I can, anyway.” 

79 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Archie was somewhat appeased by this tribute, 
and said, as he threw a stick for Jip to run after. 
Well, I don’t care as long as he doesn’t make 
me wear a girl’s sunbonnet.” 

I wonder when our folks will write for us 
to go home,” said Eddie. 

I hope it will be a good long time,” answered 
x\rchie. “ It’s lots more fun to stay here than 
at Aunt Kate’s. Do you want to go back to 
school ?” 

Ko, indeed,” said Eddie, emphatically. I 
never had such a good time in my life. I wish 
Uncle Weary would keep us all summer.” 

He says he means to stay here till the berries 
are gone, and that ’ll be two or three weeks 
longer, I guess.” 

He’s going to get a wagon and an axe and 
a gun, isn’t he ?” said Eddie. 

Yes, so he says.” 

I don’t see where the money for all that is 
coming from,” remarked Eddie. 

My father sends it to him, I s’pose.” 

“ Your father is rich, isn’t he ?” said Eddie, 
in a tone of respect. 

Yes,” answered Archie. He’s the richest 
man in Kochester. We live in a great big house, 
and we have lots of servants and horses and car- 
riages and autos and everything.” 

The boy looked round instinctively to see if 
80 


IMPROVEMENTS 


Uncle Weary was within hearing. His ten- 
dency to boast had been very much subdued by 
the sarcasm and blunt reproofs of his new 
guardian, and he had almost a fear now that 
he would rise out of the ground and quench him. 

When they reached the long village street they 
found, on the well-kept lawns, groups of summer 
boarders playing tennis and croquet. Archie 
recognized a number of his mother’s friends 
whom he had seen at various summer resorts. 
But in his present disguise they had no idea 
of his identity, and showed no curiosity about 
the two little country children trudging by, mere- 
ly glancing at them as a very familiar sight. 

The hotel was at the end of the street, a very 
large building with green blinds, most of which 
were tightly closed. 

After wandering around the house several 
times the boys came to a door which they de- 
cided was the right one, and Eddie knocked 
timidly. There was no answer, and the knock 
was repeated several times. After awhile a 
pretty, rosy-faced girl opened the door. 

Well, I thought I heard some one rapping,” 
she said. What do you want ?” 

Mr. Williams sent us with these berries,” 
murmured Eddie, in a low tone. 

And why didn’t you come to the kitchen 
door? We always take the berries in there. 

81 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


But I’ll let you go through the dining-room this 
time, if your feet are clean. Come this way.” 

They were led through a long, clean room, 
which was dimly lighted and cool and silent, and 
were ushered into a large kitchen, also clean, but 
well lighted and very warm. 

Here’s that mountain man’s berries,” said 
the girl to a stout, middle-aged woman, evidently 
the cook, who remarked : 

Well, it’s lucky they got here in time. I was 
afraid we wouldn’t have enough for dinner. Are 
you Mr. Williams’s children ?” she asked, as she 
handed them the empty baskets. 

Eddie shook his head and Archie looked down 
at the floor. 

’Course not, Mrs. Sampson. He isn’t old 
enough to have children that age.” 

How’d you come to know so much about his 
age, Em ?” 

The young girl blushed and disappeared into 
the dining-room. 

The cook looked curiously at the boys. 

You’re some relation of Mr. Williams, ain’t 
you ?” she said. I’m sure you don’t live round 
here.” 

"^There was no answer. Is he your brother ?” 
persisted Mrs. Sampson. 

Eddie shook his head. 

Your uncle ?” 


82 


IMPROVEMENTS 


The boy nodded. 

Well, I thought so. How long are you goin’ 
to stay here 

I don’t know,” whispered Eddie. 

“ Where’d you come from ?” 

Ho answer. 

Come, speak up, boy,” said the cook, im- 
patiently, turning to Archie. You look as 
though you could talk. Why don’t you answer ?” 

Archie stared at her with his bright brown 
eyes and said not a word. 

I never see such children,” said the cook, 
crossly. They must be awfully bashful, or else 
plumb idiots. But I guess you’ve got teeth if 
you hain’t got tongues. Here, take these and 
clear out of the kitchen.” 

The hoys accepted from her hand some big, 
sugar-coated cookies and passed out to the street. 

I suppose the stores are over there,” said 
Eddie, pointing to a row of shops with various 
articles displayed in the windows. They turned 
in that direction, munching their cakes as they 
slowly walked along looking at the signs to find 
the one they were in search of. 

Look, Archie, there’s my watch !” said Eddie, 
pointing to a jeweller’s window. 

Are you sure ?” asked Archie, examining an 
old heirloom hanging with others of its kind on 
a string which festooned the large pane. 

83 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Of course I am. Somebody must have pick- 
ed it up and brought it here to sell. I wonder 
if the man will let me have it.” 

Eddie was much excited and started toward 
the door. But Archie stopped him, saying : You 
know we mustn’t talk to any one; but I think 
Uncle Weary will get it for you as soon as we 
tell him. You know he was real sorry when it 
was gone.” 

Eddie was much comforted, and the boys 
bought their groceries as quickly as possible 
in order to hurry home. In a short time the 
coffee and sugar were lying in neat parcels in 
the baskets, and, calling Jip, they hurried 
through the village and climbed the mountain 
road to the clearing in much less time than it 
had taken to reach the hotel. 


CHAPTER VIII 


ELLERY^S MOTHER 

T he children told Uncle Weary about Eddie’s 
watch at once. You’ll get it, won’t you ?” 
said the little boy, imploringly. 

Shucks ! You don’t want that old tin ticker. 
It isn’t worth ten cents, and I suppose the store- 
keeper would ask as much as a dollar for it,” 
drawled the young man. 

Uncle Weary, I’ll get up at four o’clock 
every morning. I’ll pick twice as many berries 
as I do now, if you’ll only buy my watch for 
me.” 

If you’re as smart as that you can buy a new 
one sometime. You don’t want that old thing. 
Come to your supper now.” 

Eddie dared not cry, though it was hard to 
keep the tears back, and after supper went 
mournfully to his tasks of feeding Jip and 
Staggers, the chickens and rabbits, washing the 
dishes, and getting fire-wood for the next day. 
He was generally so cheerful and happy when 
85 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

doing these things that every one, even the ani- 
mals, felt his silence and low spirits. 

Archie was sympathetic and resented Uncle 
Weary’s hardness. I think he’s a mean, old, 
stingy thing,” he whispered, after the boys had 
gone to bed. But Eddie said nothing, and began 
crying softly in the darkness. 

They were left alone very often at night, while 
their guardian went to the village. Archie had 
always been brave about it, and Eddie was get- 
ting over his terrors somewhat, though he still 
imagined bears in the dark woods about them. 
But he was so tired to-night that he soon cried 
himself to sleep, while Uncle Weary rode off 
on Staggers, who was now able to carry him at 
a slow gait. 

When the boys woke in the morning the first 
thing their eyes fell on was Eddie’s watch dan- 
gling from the limb of a tree near them. The 
little boy gave a whoop of delight and ran for 
his treasure, and then, hugging it to his breast, 
began crying for joy. 

Boo-hoo !” said Uncle Weary’s mocking voice 
from his bed, where he had been watching the 
boys. Archie, you go and get a cloth and mop up 
that boy. He’s just one puddle of tears. He cries 
when he’s glad and he cries when he’s sorry.” 

Oh, Uncle Weary! How good you are!” 
said Eddie, laughing and crying together. 

86 


ELLERY^S MOTHER 


“ Good ! What for ? What have I done so 
awfully good 

Why, you got my Watch for me last night.’’ 

Didn’t I tell you that old thing wasn’t worth 
anything, and you’d better wait till you could get 
a new one ? I don’t see who was foolish enough 
to bring it back. It must have been ghosts.” 

Oh, Eddie, it was Uncle Weary. He’s just 
trying to fool you. I’m sorry I said he was 
stingy,” said Archie. 

I know it ! I know it ! It’s just like Uncle 
Weary to pretend he’s cross when he’s just as 
kind as can be. Oh, I’m so glad I’ve got my 
dear old watch again !” 

Uncle Weary lay on his back, with his feet 
sticking out beyond the blanket which covered 
him, while his head rested on his clasped hands. 
Eddie crept up and dropped a soft kiss on one 
bare foot. 

It was the nearest approach to a caress he had 
ever ventured upon, and he now jumped back 
very much frightened when the young man 
sprang up with a loud exclamation and began 
beating the ground with a stick. 

Something bit me ! I think it must have 
been a snake. Kill him! Kill him!” he called, 
in an excited tone. 

The boys laughed at his antics, but Uncle 
Weary kept a sober face and began to put on his 
87 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


shoes and stockings. Won’t do to go bare- 
footed when there’s snakes around,” he said. I 
thought they were all gone, but it seems there’s 
some around yet.” 

Uncle Weary, won’t you carry my watch for 
me again ?” said Eddie. I’m afraid I’ll lose 
it.” 

'Not much, young man. You look after your 
own jewelry after this. You better hang your 
watch in the cave. It can’t fall out of holes 
in pockets then.” 

They were very gay at breakfast. Uncle Weary 
joking and the boys laughing more than usual, 
so that they were a little late when the meal was 
finished. 

Uncle Weary looked at his watch as he rose 
from the table, and exclaimed : Good gracious ! 
W e’ve been fooling away our time at a great rate, 
and we must hustle to-day. I’ve a lot of business 
on hand, and I want you boys to carry the fish 
and berries to the hotel. 'When you get back 
perhaps I’ll have another surprise ready for 
you.” 

He put on his hat and was gone, after telling 
them he might not be home until evening. 

The day passed quickly, although a very busy 
one. They washed the dishes, fed the animals, 
and then, after picking their berries, they played 

several hours, and about four o’clock they started 
88 


ELLERY^S MOTHER 

off for the village. The day was warm, and their 
faces were shining with perspiration from heat 
and exercise as they appeared at the kitchen door 
of the hotel. The rosy-cheeked girl seemed to be 
looking for them, and stepped out to take their 
baskets. 

A fretful voice behind her called out, Is 
that them dumb young ones with the berries, 
Em r 

“ Yes, Mrs. Sampson. TheyVe got a nice lot 
to-day.’’ 

Lucky for us they have. We’ll need all we 
can get with such scads of ’mobile people pilin’ 
in. Hungriest critters on earth.” 

Em had her hand on the latch when the cook 
spoke again, warningly. Don’t open the screen 
more’n you can help. We’re eaten up with flies 
already. I don’t see the use of the young ones 
tracking in, anyway. Can’t you bring the berries 
in and get the money an’ tell ’em to go ?” 

All right, Mrs. Sampson,” said the girl, 
cheerfully. You sit down here in the shade till 
I get back,” she said to the children, pointing to 
a clean bench by the side of the house. 

There is always running-water near at hand 
in a mountain region. The boys discovered a 
pipe by their seat which brought cold water from 
a spring and emptied it into a large stone basin. 
They drank and felt much refreshed, when the 
7 89 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


pretty girl came back with some money in her 
hand. As she reached the door the cook called: 

Here, come back, Em, and get some doughnuts 
for them kids. I never saw one that couldn’t eat 
at all hours of the day or night.” The girl 
laughed but went back, and presently returned 
with a paper bag, which she put in Eddie’s 
hand. 

Eat ’em on the way home,” she said, smiling. 

I guess you better start pretty soon. You’ve 
quite a way to walk, haven’t you ?” 

Uncle Weary says it’s a mile and a half from 
the cave to the village,” said Eddie, as they 
walked toward the gate. 

The young woman went with them until they 
were beyond the hearing of Wrs. Sampson. 

What a funny name for your uncle ! I thought 
it was Williams,” she said. 

Eddie opened his mouth to answer, but, re- 
membering that he must not talk more than was 
necessary, remained silent, and Archie looked 
on the ground. 

I expect he makes you call him Uncle Weary 
for fun,” said the young girl, laughing. It’s 
just like him. He’s always joking. Is he at 
home to-day she went on, shyly. 

Ho, he said he had to go off somewhere on 
business,” said Eddie. 

Did he take the horse ?” 

90 


ELLBRY^S MOTHER 


Yes, he rides Staggers now all the time.” 

Is that the name of your horse ? How 
funny !” giggled the girl. 

Em !” called the cook, crossly. 

Yes, Mrs. Sampson. I’m coming. How 
you must go,” she said, hastily, to the children, 
and, turning her back toward the kitchen door, 
slipped a little note into Archie’s pocket. I 
wish you’d give that to your uncle,” she whisper- 
ed. Don’t let anybody see it, will you ?” And, 
blushing and laughing, she ran back to the 
kitchen. 

As the children reached the front of the hotel 
they stood for a moment to look at its shining 
whiteness, which seemed to glisten more than 
usual in contrast to the little strip of perfectly 
kept green lawn close to the house. Just then 
a large touring automobile came dashing up, and 
stopped before the hotel chugging and thumping 
ferociously. A chauffeur in goggles sat on the 
front seat with a gentleman in a long dust-coat, 
who immediately jumped out and disappeared 
into the office. 

Tw*o ladies on the back seat lifted their veils 
and looked around. What a pretty spot !” said 
the elder one. And how nice and Hew-Eng- 
landy the hotel looks. I hope Allen will find 
they can take us in. I believe you would like it 
here, dear.” 


91 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


The young woman at her side was gazing at 
the children. “ Mother,” she said, in an excited 
whisper, look at that little hoy ! Isn’t he the 
very image of Ellery ?” 

He’s a sweet little fellow. And — ^yes, he does 
look a good deal like Ellery. But try to be calm, 
Edith. You know you must control yourself.” 

I’m trying, mother,” said the daughter, in a 
stifled tone. But I want to talk to him.” 

Won’t you come nearer, children ?” said the 
elderly woman, in a sweet voice. 

As they came up to the automobile the one who 
had been called Edith fixed her eyes on Eddie’s 
face and said, hurriedly : I want to know your 
name very much, little boy. You don’t mind 
telling me, do you ?” 

Eddie,” said the boy, looking up, shyly. 

Isn’t that strange !” said the mother, to 
have your father’s name and look enough like 
you to be your child !” 

Do you live here ?” still questioned Edith. 

Eddie shook his head. 

Won’t you tell me where your home is ?” 

Ho reply. 

Are you this boy’s brother ?” asked the elder 
woman of Archie. 

The boy did not even shake his head, but looked 
down, the road and kicked the dust with his bare 
foot. 


92 


ELLERY^S MOTHER 


What shy creatures !” commented the lady. 

There’s no use asking any more questions. But 
I’m sure they’re not brothers. The dark one 
looks like an Italian child. I presume he is one. 
You know, there are hundreds of them in Hew 
England. He doesn’t understand a word we 
say.” 

Just then the tall gentleman came back and 
said, cheerfully : It’s all right. They’re pretty 
crowded, but they’ll take us in for a week, any- 
way.” 

I hope you didn’t engage rooms until I could 
examine the beds, Allen,” said the elderly lady, 
anxiously. 

It’s all right, mother. Don’t you worry 
about the beds,” said the young man, laughing. 

Come in and see how nice everything is. It’s 
the best place we’ve struck yet.” 

The mother stepped rather stiffly to the ground, 
with his assistance, and then, holding out his 
arms to the other lady, he said, tenderly, Come, 
dearest.” 

She seemed to he very weak and frail, for he 
almost carried her to the piazza ; hut before they 
could enter the house she turned to her husband 
and said, Allen, dear, I want to kiss that little 
hoy.” 

The gentleman immediately called and whis- 
tled to the children, who were walking down 
93 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


the street. They looked back, and when he 
beckoned them to return they did so wonder- 

ingly- 

Eddie was led to the chair of the invalid, who 
put her thin arms round him and kissed his tan- 
ned cheek. You are like mj little boy, but he 
is dead,” she murmured. 

Her eyes were dry, but Eddie began to weep, 
and throwing his arms around her neck whis- 
pered, My pa and ma are dead, too.” 

They hurried the child away and took the 
young woman to her room. Then the boys start- 
ed at a brisk pace, for the shladows showed they 
were later than usual. 

They reached the clearing about dark and 
found Uncle Weary waiting for them, with a nice 
supper all ready. 

He made no comments when they told him of 
the automobile incident, and read his little note 
from Em with a pleased smile. 

You don’t say anything about my surprise,” 
he said, after supper, as he sat on a log and 
smoked his pipe. 

Oh yes, we forgot that,” said Archie. “ You 
give us so many surprises we can’t keep track of 
them.” 

Where is it ?” asked Eddie, peering into the 
cave, which had begun to grow dark. 

Well, I never saw such blind little bats !” 

94 


ELLBRY^S MOTHER 


drawled the young man. If ’twas a bear 
’twould bite you.’’ 

Ob, I see it !” exclaimed Eddie, spying some 
wheels down by the spring. Uncle Weary’s 
got a wagon !” 



CHAPTEE IX 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 

T he boys ran to the spring, Uncle Weary 
following leisurely, and found an old light 
express ’’ wagon with two of its wheels stand- 
ing in the water, evidently for the purpose of 
making the wood swell so that the tires would 
stay on. 

Eddie began a critical examination. Where 
did you get it. Uncle Weary he asked. 

At the wagon store, of course. You didn’t 
think I made it, did you?” 

“ But it’s so old. I should think it would fall 
to pieces.” 

I guess it’s as new as Staggers. I can fix 
it up so’s it ’ll go all right. But you needn’t 
ride in it if you think it isn’t good enough.” 

Oh, I think it’s all right. I know you’ll 
make a nice wagon of it,” Eddie hastened to say, 
fearing he had hurt Uncle Weary’s feelings. 
Have you got a harness ?” asked Archie. 
Shall have when I make it,” said the young 
96 



1 

1 




L\ 


“one of them rubbed, while the other painted" 




V 


4 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 


man, taking some straps and ropes from the 
wagon. 

The next day he was np early, and the hoys 
found him busily sewing bits of leather with a 
large needle and some twine. Get breakfast 
right off, kids he called. I want you should 
hustle this morning. Pick your berries as soon 
as you can and catch your fish, and perhaps I’ll 
let you paint the wagon.” 

The children were delighted with this prospect, 
and worked faster than usual at their tasks, so 
that early in the afternoon they were ready for 
the new fun. Uncle Weary had been tinkering 
with the wagon, nailing pieces of hoard on the 
broken floor, tightening a loose spoke in one 
wheel, and adding new screws where they were 
needed. 

The hoys were told how to stir the brown paint 
thoroughly with a stick, and then put it on even- 
ly with a brush. One of them rubbed the wood 
with sand-paper, while the other painted, taking 
turns at each occupation until their backs and 
arms ached and the perspiration rolled down 
their faces. 

Uncle Weary had dressed with unusual care 
that afternoon, to take the berries and flsh to the 
hotel. He wore a new outing-shirt, with a bright- 
blue necktie. His old light-colored trousers he 
had dyed with the same brown which had trans- 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


formed Archie and Staggers, and had pressed 
them so carefully they looked quite new. He 
had on a pair of new tan shoes and a fresh straw 
hat, and looked altogether very handsome and 
stylish, the boys thought, as he came toward them 
to give his last orders. 

Pretty good painters P’ he said, approvingly. 

Keep at it till you get it done, and then you 
may clean up and meet me at the foot of the 
mountain by the watering-trough. I’ll have a 
lot of things, and I shall want you to help me 
carry them.” 

The novelty of the painting had Worn off, and 
they were tired and stiff, and glad to have it done 
by the time the last old spoke was finished. They 
washed their hands with the yellow soap, and 
carefully brushed and combed their hair and 
put on clean shirts and trousers, and started out 
about five o’clock, with Jip, to meet Uncle 
Weary. 

Perhaps half an hour before they reached the 
watering-trough the large touring-car which they 
had seen arrive at the hotel the day before came 
up to it and stopped. 

I’m afraid we’ll have to stay here while I 
tinker up the machine a bit, sir, if you don’t 
mind,” said the chauffeur, touching his cap to 
the gentleman by his side. 

How long will it take, J ames ?” 

98 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 


The matter of a quarter of an hour or so, I 
should think.’’ 

There was a grassy space under some trees 
opposite the watering-trough, and Mr. Taggart, 
noticing this, turned to the ladies on the back 
seat and said ; What do you say to sitting over 
there in the shade until the repairing is done ?” 

That would be delightful, wouldn’t it, 
dear ?” answered the elder woman. You might 
spread a dust-robe and Edith could lie down and 
rest.” 

Her daughter assented with a faint smile, and 
the husband carried his wife across the dusty 
road and laid her on the grass in the shadow of 
a big tree. The chauffeur brought out his tools 
and began, in a very business-like way, to repair 
the automobile, and Mr. Taggart returned to 
watch the operation, and to assist wherever pos- 
sible. 

Mrs. Taggart looked up into the branches of 
the tree above her, and her mother, sitting by 
her side, began chatting cheerfully. I’ve been 
exploring this morning. You know, I don’t 
sleep very well after daylight, and I’ve dis- 
covered all sorts of interesting people.” 

You always find them in out-of-the-way 
places in Hew England,” said Mrs. Taggart. 

And they usually know the history of every- 
body in the country round them. I wonder if 
99 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


we couldn’t find out something about little 
Eddie.” 

I’ve already done that. I had a talk with 
Mrs. Sampson, the cook. She’s a ferocious 
creature, but if you get on the right side of her 
she is kind and friendly.” 

You did that, of course, mother ; hut do tell 
me what she said about Eddie.” 

Well, it seems those children are in Melton 
with their uncle just for the berry season. They 
are camping on the mountain not far from here, 
and bring in a good many berries every day. 
The cook says she has her doubts about the man 
being really related to them, though Eddie may 
be. He is a queer genius, always joking. They 
think in the village he is good company, and they 
like him; but they can’t find out much about 
him.” 

I wonder if he is always good to the children.” 

Mrs. Sampson thinks he is. She has not 
seen them very often ; they have been to the vil- 
lage only a few times, but they are always clean 
and seem well-fed and cared for. And she be- 
lieves the fair little hoy is very fond of his 
uncle.” 

I wonder how she found that out,” said 
Edith. They seemed as shy as wild birds when 
we tried to talk to them last night. But I sup- 
pose they are more at ease with the cook.” 

100 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 


she seemed very much provoked to find 
them so shy. She says the dark hoy is either 
deaf and dumb or a foreigner, she can^t make 
out which. He looks very bright and intelligent, 
but seems not to understand a word that is said. 
The other one does all the talking, but that is 
not much. Mrs. Sampson says she never saw 
such a bashful little creature.” 

You are a shrewd guesser, mother. You said 
you thought the dark boy was an Italian.” 

Yes, but any one could tell that from his 
looks. The cook asked the young man — his name 
is Williams, I believe — if he was Italian. Will- 
iams made some joking reply, hut he didn’t deny 
it. He probably pays the parents a few pennies 
for a day’s work, and makes a good thing out 
of it. They do that a great deal around here, the 
cook says. There are a lot of Italian workmen 
in the quarries, and they are always glad to 
have their children with Americans to learn 
English.” 

But little Eddie ! Poor, sweet little Eddie, 
with no father or mother, wandering about home- 
less, while our home — ” 

Don’t cry, my darling,” said the mother, anx- 
iously ; you know it weakens you so much, and 
you have no strength to spare. I know, my dear 
child, how desolate your life is with your little 
boy gone out of it, hut try to realize that you 
101 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


have others to live for. What would Allen and 
your poor old mother do without you 

I know, I know. I will try, mother dear,” 
said Edith, wiping her tears away. 

We know at least that our precious Ellery 
is safe and at rest. The poor Stebbinses have not 
that consolation.” 

The Stebbinses ! Who are they ?” said 
Edith. 

DonT you remember those people from 
Rochester that we met in England last sum- 
mer ? They were travelling for the health of 
their delicate little boy.” 

Oh yes. I recall them now,” said Edith. 

You speak as though something dreadful had 
happened to them.” 

You may be your own judge of that. I met 
Mrs. Roberts at the hotel here yesterday. She 
knows the Stebbinses very well. She says there 
seems to be a mystery in their family, and thinks 
their boy has disappeared.” 

Oh, the poor mother !” exclaimed Mrs. Tag- 
gart, sitting up and clasping her hands. 

Mrs. Roberts says she thinks Mrs. Stebbins 
doesnT know, and imagines that the boy is in a 
sanitarium.” 

But arenT they trying to find him ? I would 
think the whole country would be up in arms, 
and that the papers would be full of it.” 

102 


AT THE WATERING -TROUGH 


Mrs. Roberts says her husband is sure he 
saw a detective walking with Mr. Stebbins one 
day in London. He will not talk to any one 
about his loss, except to say that he does not 
want it to get into the papers. That’s probably 
on his wife’s account, and because there is more 
chance of tracking the child by keeping quiet. 
You know they never found Charlie Ross. Many 
people think it is because the detectives were 
hampered by the notoriety the newspapers gave 
the case.” 

Oh, I hope they’ll find the little fellow,” 
said Mrs. Taggart, fervently, and that the poor 
mother won’t know he has been lost until she 
has him in her arms again.” 

I’m sure they’ll get him,” said Mrs. Ellery, 
cheerfully. Mrs. Roberts says Mr. Stebbins 
is a millionaire, and the kidnappers are after 
money, so it’s probably only a question of a 
short time before he is returned safe and 
sound.” 

Mrs. Ellery had gossiped af length, because she 
saw her daughter seemed to feel an interest in 
the life about her for the first time since the 
death of her only child, a year before. She had 
listened and asked questions. It was a sign that 
she was coming slowly out of her morbid con- 
dition, which made her anxious mother very 
happy. Edith closed her eyes as though tired, 
103 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


and Mrs. Ellery, turning her head, exclaimed: 

There are those children now*! Talk about 
angels 

Archie and Eddie had arrived at the watering- 
trough, and were absorbed in watching the re- 
pairing of the automobile. Please ask little 
Eddie to come here, mother,” said the young 
woman, in a low voice. 

Her mother crossed the road and, taking Ed- 
die’s hand, said kindly: Won’t you go to the 
lady under the tree ? She would like to talk with 
you.” 

The child silently assented, and was soon 
seated on the grass, with the arms of the gentle 
invalid about him. She pressed a kiss on his 
yellow curls, and said, abruptly : Is your uncle 
kind to you, dear ?” 

Yes, indeed !” said the child, eagerly. He’s 
awfully good. I love him better than anybody in 
the world.” 

You told me your father and mother are 
dead. Do you always live with your uncle ?” 

Eddie blushed and hung his head. He says 
I mustn’t talk about myself to strangers,” he 
answered, in a whisper. 

Your uncle is right, dear. It was rude of 
me to ask questions. We will talk about some- 
thing else. Should you like to hear about my 
little boy who looked so much like you ?” 

104 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 


The child nodded shyly, and Ellery’s mother, 
holding the roughened, brown hand of the little 
wanderer, spoke freely for the first time of her 
lost child. They were both so absorbed they 
did not see Uncle Weary arrive at the trough. 
He stood there and talked some time with Mr. 
Taggart about the roads in the vicinity, and then, 
with the silent Archie by his side, he strolled over 
to the pair under the tree and looked dowli at 
them quizzically. 

Oh, Mr. Williams,” said Edith, looking up, 
won’t you loan this little hoy to me sometimes 
while we are here? You see, we are great 
friends.” 

Well, I don’t know as I can spare him very 
often. We’re pretty busy nowadays making our 
living.” 

Yes, I know, and he is so fond of you he 
wouldn’t stay away very long; hut if you would 
let me take him for a ride now and then he would 
enjoy it, and it would make me very happy.” 

I guess there’d he no objection, if he wants 
to go.” 

Oh, thank you so much ! And would the 
other little hoy enjoy a ride, too?” she added, 
glancing at Archie, whose eyes were fixed on 
the automobile. 

I guess one is enough. I don’t believe this 
kid wants to go very much.” 

8 105 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Perhaps he’s afraid of an automobile. If 
he is, there certainly wouldn’t be much pleasure 
in riding in one. Thank yOu very much for 
letting Eddie go,” assented the young woman, 
rising with the assistance of her husband. 

I am afraid you are very tired, dear,” said 
Mr. Taggart, anxiously, folding her wrap around 
her thin form. James was a long time re- 
pairing the car.” 

N’o, indeed, Allen. On the contrary, I have 
not felt so well and happy for a long time. I 
have been making the acquaintance of this dear 
little hoy. His uncle says he may ride with us 
sometimes.” 

That’s good. I’m very glad,” said her hus- 
band, heartily. We usually pass here every 
evening about five, and will he glad to pick him 
up for a turn any time, at that hour,” he con- 
tinued, turning to Uncle Weary. 

All right. He’ll be there as often as you’ll 
want him, I guess.” 

Uncle Weary picked up the baskets and, call- 
ing to the boys to follow, started up the road. 
Mr. Taggart stopped him to say: Here is my 
card, Mr. Williams. I know your name, hut I 
believe you don’t know mine.” 

One more kiss, dear,” said Mrs. Taggart, 
leaning over the cushioned seat, and Eddie, 
reaching up, put his arms around her neck 
106 


AT THE WATERING-TROUGH 


and gave her a fervent hug. Remember, five 
o’clock,” she whispered. 

The car started, and so long as he could see 
she waved a thin, white hand toward him. 

Uncle Weary gave each one a package to carry, 
and then strode on, leaving them to follow with 
Jip. 

I wish he wouldn’t talk so about me to those 
folks,” said Archie, discontentedly. 

He has a good reason for it, I suppose,” said 
Eddie. I wish he’d let you ride in the auto- 
mobile with me. She asked you to, you know.” 

Oh, I don’t care about that. I’m tired of 
autos. We have three at home, and I hardly 
ever ride in one. I like my pony better.” 

Do you have a hired man to run your auto- 
mobile ?” asked Eddie. 

“ Yes, of course. He’s a Frenchman, and he’s 
awful cross.” 

I should think it would he fine to have auto- 
mobiles and horses and a home and father and 
mother,” said Eddie, wistfully. 

Everybody has those,” said Archie, care- 
lessly. 

‘‘ I suppose Uncle Weary will take us home 
before long,” suggested Eddie. 

I hope not. I want to stay as long as I can,” 
said Archie. It’s lots more fun here than at 
Aunt Kate’s.” 


107 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Uncle Weary'S awfully good, isn’t he ask- 
ed Eddie. 

He’s all right if he would let me talk. I 
hate to have folks think me deaf and dumb.” 

But he has a good reason for that, I’m sure, 
and he didn’t make you stay a girl, you know.” 




CHAPTEE X 


A VISITOR 

T he raspberries were all gone, and the boys 
were sent farther np the mountain every day 
to pick huckleberries. The morning air was 
often quite chilly, and they used to run through 
the woods to the huckleberry-patch to get warm. 
But they were so toughened by this time that 
exposure to cold never seemed to harm them, and 
all weather brought its own enjoyment. 

They always had dip with them. The little 
dog loved the water, and soon learned a number 
of astonishing feats which the children called his 
water tricks.” One of them was very difficult, 
and the boys were a long time in teaching it to 
him. They would swim side by side and close 
together. Jip would stand on their backs, facing 
their heads, and hold in his teeth a string, which 
the boys also had in their mouths, like reins. 
Another funny trick of the dog was to sit in a 
cask and float it round the pool, holding a stick 
in his mouth to keep his balance. 

109 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Every moment they were awake was taken 
up with active work or play, and in the long 
rainy days which sometimes kept them many 
hours in the cave they popped corn, played 
checkers, or taught dip new tricks. Their guar- 
dian also made them learn to sew. Archie didn’t 
like this at all. It was girl’s work, and he felt 
degraded by it ; but he never thought of disobey- 
ing orders or even questioning them, so he sewed 
on his buttons and even put patches on his trou- 
sers under the direction of Uncle Weary, who 
could do almost anything with his needle. 

The little boy became more reconciled to this 
work one day, however, when the young man told 
him that all soldiers and sailors had to sew, and 
if he ever went into the army, he would have to 
keep his clothes in order, so he might as well 
begin now. 

Uncle Weary was also very busy. He always 
rose early, and usually spent the morning in 
baking, washing, ironing, mending, and keep- 
ing the cave as neat and orderly as a Hew Eng- 
land kitchen. 

He had made several tables and stools of dry- 
goods boxes, and contrived a nice little pantry 
by fastening shelves into a crevice in the rocky 
wall of the cave. He had brought home one 
day a small old cook-stove, which he set up near 
the opening, so that the pipe would carry the 
no 


A VISITOR 


smoke up the side of the mountain. He had 
plenty of pots and pans and kettles, and these 
were kept, when not in use, in one of the big 
boxes used for a cupboard, with a neat curtain 
to hide them. 

The cave had a very wide entrance; in fact, 
it was a big, shallow room, scooped out of the 
rocky mountain, with one side open to the weath- 
er. The young man had bought an old tent, from 
which he made a large awning, or curtain, which 
he fastened with big spikes over the opening. 
This was lowered when the rain came from the 
east, making the cave as cosey and snug as a room 
in a house. 

He still insisted on sleeping out-of-doors ex- 
cept when it rained, and then they had only the 
hard benches for beds in the cave. One day 
Uncle Weary brought home a load of straw on 
the little brown wagon, and after that they had 
soft, snug nests to burrow in, which the boys 
thought delightful on chilly nights. To complete 
their comfortable and home-like surroundings, 
they always had a camp-fire a short distance 
from the cave, to keep off the mosquitoes and to 
sit by when it was damp and cool. 

Mrs. Sampson had given Uncle Weary a little 
blue suit which one of the summer boarders left 
in her room in the hotel. It fitted Eddie very 
well, and, dressed in this and in a new straw hat, 
111 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


he stood by the trough one day not long after 
the promise had been given to Mrs. Taggart. 
He was waiting for the automobile, which in a 
few moments came chugging up to him. Mrs. 
Taggart reached out her arms with a joyful cry 
when she saw the boy, and Mr. Taggart placed 
him between the two ladies. 

He was soon quite at ease, and, as he was not 
required to talk much, he felt happy and content- 
ed as he was whirled over the smooth road, his 
hand in the gloved palm of his new friend, and 
his bare legs and feet covered by soft, scented 
draperies. 

When he reached home he carried a box of 
candy and a mechanical toy. Uncle Weary 
laughed when the boy showed him his presents, 
as he said : If you don^t look out, you’ll be a 
baby again, with your candy and your toys.” 

Eddie laughed, too, and stowed away the ob- 
noxious gifts with his other treasures in a cor- 
ner of the cave which belonged particularly to 
him. 

He then passed round the candy. Uncle 
Weary picked out a fat chocolate-drop, and, put- 
ting it in his mouth, said, in liis slow drawl: 

Pretty good stuff. I wouldn’t mind being 
teacher’s pet myself, if that’s what you get by it.” 

Archie had not tasted candy for a long time. 
It had been prohibited, along with other good 
112 


A VISITOR 


things; but he had now the chance to eat what- 
ever came his way, and helped himself liberally 
to the delicious sweets. 

Eddie also ate all the candy he wanted for the 
first time in his life, and, when dip had come in 
for his share, the large box was entirely emptied. 
Uncle Weary put it away for future use, and 
then said : The lady tried to find out something 
about us, didn’t she ?” 

1^0, she hardly asked any questions at all. 
She iust told me stories about her little hoy that 
died.” 

Did she ask you to visit her ?” 

“ She said she wondered if you would he will- 
ing to let me go to see her next winter.” 

What did you say ?” 

I told her I’d have to go to school in Summit 
when I went home.” 

Uncle Weary said no more, and smoked his 
pipe in a brown - study, while the hoys went 
through their usual routine before going to 
bed. 

In the afternoon of the next day the children 
were returning from fishing, and had reached the 
watering-trough, when they heard wheels behind 
them, and, turning, saw Uncle Weary driving up 
with Staggers. He was dressed very neatly, as 
usual, and by his side sat Em in a white dress 
and a new straw hat with pink roses. The young 
113 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


man’s auburn hair was cut close to his head. He 
had shaved off his mustache and wore slightly 
colored glasses, making his blue eyes look almost 
brown. He had a straight, well-shaped nose and 
thin lips, and looked altogether like a college 
professor taking his vacation. 

Em’s pretty hat was very becoming over her 
curly, black hair. Her eyes were dark and 
sparkling, her skin pink and white, and she had 
fine, even teeth and dimples in her cheeks. They 
were both talking and laughing so busily that 
they did not see the children until they were al- 
most upon them. Then Uncle Weary pulled 
up the old horse and called out : Hullo ! Didn’t 
expect to see you here.” 

Em smiled and blushed and said something in 
a low tone to her companion, who answered: 
“ All right. Put your fish in the wagon, boys, 
and walk along ahead of us. Build a fire and 
fill the tea-kettle. We’ll be there before long.” 

The boys ran on, and when the elders reached 
the cave a blue smoke was rising from the stove- 
pipe. Eddie had started a fire, and the tea-kettle 
with fresh water was on the stove. 

The young man drove into the clearing, and 
Em jumped lightly to the ground. She laughed 
as she came toward the boys, and sat down on 
the clean bench one of them moved toward her. 
She then took off her hat and brushed the mos- 
114 


A VISITOR 


quitoes away, as she looked around the neat room 
and watched the boys set the table. 

Presently Uncle Weary came in with some 
packages of groceries in his hands, and asked 
her what she thought of his housekeeping. 

Pretty good for a man,” she said, showing 
her dimples, but I’d like to see the kind of cook 
you are.” 

Oh, Uncle Weary’s an awful good cook ; you 
ought to stay to supper and see,” said Eddie. 

That’s wEat she’s going to do, sonny,” said 
the young man. Eow you and Archie put your 
best foot foremost, and show her that men folks 
can keep house as well as anybody.” 

Gracious ! I mustn’t stay to supper,” said 
Em, rising. It ’ll make me late, and I prom- 
ised Mrs. Sampson I’d be at home for dinner at 
seven o’clock to wait on table.” 

Oh yes, you can,” said Uncle Weary, coax- 
ingly. We’ll have supper in next to no time. 
I’ll get you home all right. Don’t you worry.” 

Em hesitated a moment, and then sat down, 
saying: Well, all right. If you’re sure about 
that. I’ll stay.” 

They all flew about and soon had an abundant 
meal ready. They had one table-cloth for grand 
occasions, which was brought out now, and a 
paper napkin placed at her plate. Archie got 
the butter and milk from the spring. Eddie 
115 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


brought out some doughnuts and cold fried rab- 
bit from the pantry, while Uncle Weary cut the 
bread, made the tea, and washed the huckle- 
berries. 

Em was rather embarrassed when she took her 
seat at the table, but she was soon over that, 
and laughed as heartily as any one at Uncle 
Weary’s droll remarks. 

The little boys were delighted to have the 
pretty girl with them. Eddie sat as near her as 
he could, and smiled every time she looked at 
him, and Archie passed her everything at least 
three times. 

She was anxious to start back as soon as sup- 
per was over, and told Uncle Weary she would 
certainly walk home if he didn’t hurry up with 
that horse. The young man started at once to 
get ready, and while she was waiting the boys 
took their visitor round the little plantation to 
show her all their possessions. She seemed much 
pleased and interested in everything, and gave 
them some good advice about feeding the rabbits, 
which so won Eddie’s heart that he said, as she 
pinned on her hat : Oh, I wish you’d stay with 
us all the time. Can’t you ?” 

The idea !” she exclaimed, laughing and 
blushing as she pinched his cheek. 

She didn’t kiss the boys or even shake hands 
with them, but they knew she was friendly and 
116 



LAUGHING AS SHE PINCHED HIS CHEEK 


A VISITOR 


kind, and, as she drove away, looking back over 
her shoulder and laughing at them, they felt 
rather lonesome, and went about their tasks of 
washing dishes and putting things in order for 
the night with sober faces and without their usual 
chatter. 

I think it would be awful nice if Em would 
come and live with us, don’t you said Eddie. 

Yes. I like her first-rate. I don’t believe 
she’d scold, and she’d mind her own business and 
let us fellows alone,” said Archie, heartily. 

Eddie was silent for a moment, and then re- 
marked, But I think she’d make Uncle Weary 
mind, don’t you ?” 

Archie laughed and said : Yes, of course. 

She’d be the boss.” 

She made him bring home our fish in the 
wagon,” continued Eddie. He never did that 
before, and he had to get the horse before he 
wanted to. Isn’t it funny ! We make Jip mind. 
Uncle Weary makes us mind, and Em makes him 
mind.” 


CHAPTER XI 


UNCLE SAM 

O NE morning the little boys were wakened 
from a sound sleep by a loud noise. It 
sounded to them like three or four revolver-shots 
fired in rapid succession. They were very much 
startled, and ran toward the den as fast as their 
legs could carry them, to see what was the matter. 

There was little light in the clearing at this 
hour, as the tall pines shut out the early sun- 
light, so that they saw dimly a tall figure stand- 
ing by a tree about two yards beyond the en- 
trance to the den. He looked very familiar, 
yet the boys could not remember where they had 
seen him before. He was dressed in striped trou- 
sers, a long -tailed coat, and a high white hat. 
His nose was long and pointed, his cheeks were 
red, and there was a small tuft of straw-colored 
hair on his chin. He was smiling, so the boys 
thought he must be friendly, and Archie walked 
on to get a better view of him. Eddie was a 
little afraid, and hung back, hiding behind a tree. 
118 


UNCLE SAM 


Don’t come any nearer, boy. I’m a danger- 
ous character. You don’t know what I may do 
to you,” said the stranger, in a muffled tone. 

Archie stopped. He felt almost sure a joke 
was being played, and he didn’t want to be fooled. 
At the same time he might be mistaken. Per- 
haps the stranger was one of Uncle Weary’s 
friends. 

Who are you ?” he asked. 

Ha ! ha ! ha !” laughed the man. You’re 
a great American boy. Don’t you know your 
Uncle Sam?” 

Come on, Eddie,” said Archie, it’s Uncle 
Weary dressed up.” 

Hring me my cap, my head’s cold in this 
white hat,” said the same queer voice. 

The boys ran into the den, and there sat Un- 
cle Weary peeling potatoes and looking very 
innocent. Why, what made you get up so 
early?” he said, seeming to be very much sur- 
prised. 

The boys looked at him and then at the strange 
man outside, and ran out laughing. The mystery 
was solved. Uncle Weary had made a dum- 
my ” which had fooled them completely. 

But how could he talk ?” asked Eddie, ex- 
amining the image carefully. 

Didn’t you know that I’m a ventriloquist ?” 

I don’t know what that is,” said the boy. 

119 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Oh, I know,” Archie exclaimed. It’s 
somebody talking down in his throat and you 
think it’s somebody else. I’ve heard ’em lots 
of times.” 

Oh, ain’t it wonderful,” said Eddie. Why, 
I thought it was a real man talking.” 

Why did you make Uncle Sam, and what 
was that noise we heard ?” asked Archie. 

You’re patriotic youngsters. Look round 
and see.” 

An American flag hung over the entrance to 
the den, and many little ones were stuck into 
cracks in the hen-house, the squirrel’s cage, and 
Stagger’s tent, and a number of them were nailed 
to the trunks of trees. The whole clearing look- 
ed gay with the bright Stars and Strips. 

Oh, it’s the ^ Fourth,’ ” cried Archie, and 
Uncle Weary was firing crackers!” 

You’ve hit the nail on the head this time,” 
said Uncle Weary, much pleased at the success 
of his surprise. How’d you like to celebrate 
to-day ?” 

Do you mean with fire - crackers ?” asked 
Archie, wistfully. I’d like that ever so much ; 
but my mother says she’s afraid they’ll hurt my 
eyes.” 

Your eyes are well now. I guess she 
wouldn’t care. Open that package.” 

The little fellow was too much excited to do 
120 


UNCLE SAM 


the task well. His fingers fumbled with the 
string, and Eddie finally untied it, opened the 
paper, and took out a dozen packs of fire-crackers, 
a bag of torpedoes, and two pasteboard masks, or 
false faces, with large noses and grinning mouths. 
The fire-crackers were pounced upon with true 
Eourth-of-July ardor, and Eddie at once light- 
ed the punk and began to teach Archie how to 
use it. They fired off one pack before breakfast, 
and after that meal Uncle Weary said: How, 
you do the chores and pick berries for an hour or 
so. By that time Ifil be back with a boy to .help 
us out. We have to furnish the hotel an extra 
lot of fruit to-day. We’ll be through early, and 
then we’ll celebrate some more.” 

Who is the boy ?” asked Archie. 

Do you remember the fellow that brought 
us to the street-cars in his wagon? Well, he’s 
the one. He’s Mr. Thompson’s hired boy. He’s 
going to help us with the berries off and on, while 
the rush is on at the hotel.” 

Oh, I remember him,” said Eddie. His 
name’s Wag, isn’t it? I liked him ever so much. 
May he play with us some ?” 

Maybe. I’ll see first how smart he is to 
work,” said Uncle Weary, putting Staggers into 
the shafts of the little wagon. 

May we fire some more crackers ?” asked 
Archie. 


121 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Of course. What are they for ? Didn^t you 
know the government makes you pay a fine for 
every cracker left over to the 5th V’ 

Eddie laughed as usual when Uncle Weary 
joked, and Archie asked: Can we make a fort 
with ’em ? My cousin Tom always does that 
with his crackers.” 

I don’t care^what you do with ’em,” said the 
young man, picking up the lines to drive off. 

But you’d better not fire any while I’m gone. 
Of course, you’ll blow off some of your fingers 
and toes, and I must he here to sew ’em on again.” 

When he was gone the boys talked and planned 
while they worked. Eddie knew a number of 
fancy ways of firing crackers, which he promised 
to teach Archie. But the fort was the most in- 
teresting part of their programme. They had a 
long discussion about its shape and size and the 
place where they would build it, so that the hour 
slipped away faster than they expected. 

Uncle Weary came back with Wag about ten 
o’clock, and also with several mysterious pack- 
ages in the hack of the wagon. 

That looks like a cannon. Is it one ?” said 
Archie, , pointing to a tall, round object covered 
with a piece of burlap. And may we fire it 
off?” 

You’re the most blood - thirsty boy I ever 
saw,” said Uncle Weary, as he began to unhar- 
122 





n 


FORT-BUILDING BY THE SPRING 















UNCLE SAM 


ness the horse. “ Can’t you make noise enough 
without a cannon 

Oh, it is one,” laughed Archie. 

“ Well, whatever it is, it won’t go off yet 
awhile. Perhaps, if you’re a good hoy, Pll let 
you help fire it.” 

Do you use matches or punk for a cannon ?” 
asked Archie. 

Wait and see. You’d better go to work on 
your crackers now,, or you won’t get through with 
them to-day.” 

The children darted off to the spring to build 
their fort, and Wag, who had been grinning 
steadily, began picking berries, and Uncle Weary 
took his packages into the cave after saying to 
the new-comer, If you’re smart and get enough 
berries by two o’clock, you may quit and play 
with the boys.” 

Wag seemed to be overcome with astonishment. 
He gazed at Uncle Weary with open mouth as 
though he could not believe his ears. His face 
grew red under his freckles as he mumbled, I 
kin do that easy; I’m a master-picker.” 

All right, let’s see you do it,” said the young 
man, as the boy disappeared in the bushes. 

The sand by the spring proved to be suitable 
for fort-building. It was just damp enough to 
pack solidly around an old bucket. Archie had 

seen real forts, and Eddie had looked at pictures 
123 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


of them, so they knew pretty well how to go to 
work. Archie brought the sand in a pan, and 
Eddie covered the bucket entirely several inches 
thick, smoothing the surface carefully. Then 
they stuck fire-crackers into holes made about two 
inches apart and put a little flag on top. 

It looks just like Fort Hamilton,’^ said 
Archie, only it’s not the same color.” 

Ain’t it pretty !” cried Eddie. I hate to 
light the crackers. They’ll blow it all to pieces.” 

But Archie said that was what forts were for, 
and ran to get the punk. They called Uncle 
Weary to come and look at the fort and see the 
guns go off, and Eddie asked if Wag might come, 
too. 

Yes, I guess he can spend the time for that ; 
but he’s in an awful hurry to get his stint done.” 

Eddie soon brought hack the farmer’s boy, who 
grinned approval; Uncle Weary said it was a 
pretty good fort for the first one; Jip barked 
appreciatively ; so the crackers were lighted, and 
all went off with a great noise and tumbled the 
sand in heaps about the bucket. The boys felt 
well paid for^their labor, and began building an- 
other fort at once. By the time that was finished 
and destroyed they were called to dinner, which 
was more than usually good and abundant. Un- 
cle Weary said : You can’t be patriotic on the 
Fourth unless you have an extra fine dinner.” 

124 


UNCLE SAM 


He piled the plates of the hungry boys with fried 
chicken, plenty of gravy, and mashed potatoes 
and celery, and for dessert they had the usual 
pie and doughnuts. 

Jip and all the other animals were treated to a 
Fourth-of-July dinner, and then Uncle Weary 
said: How I’ll help with the berries while you 
wash the dishes. Then I’ll take the berries and 
fish to the hotel, and Wag may play with you till 
I come back. You can stay till milking-time, 
can’t you. Wag ?” 

Yes,” said the boy, eagerly, I don’t have 
to get back till most sunset.” 

Wag had worked astonishingly fast. He had 
gathered almost the required amount of fruit, 
so that by the time the dishes were washed 
Uncle Weary was ready to go to the village, 
and Wag was free and eager to share in the cel- 
ebration. 

Boys, you must do just as Wag tells you,” 
said Uncle Weary. He’s a good deal olSer 
than you and ought to know more about things. 
If he shows good sense and don’t get you into 
mischief I’ll let him play with you again, per- 
haps.” 

May we fire off all the crackers ?” asked 
Archie. 

I don’t care what you do with your own 
property, and Wag is old enough to see that you 
125 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


don’t get into any trouble/’ said Uncle Weary, 
driving away. 

The boys gave Wag a whole pack of crackers. 
He had never had more than a dozen in his life, 
and to be able to hre off twenty-five of them with- 
out stopping was unheard-of luxury. He looked 
very happy as he took them, but when Eddie 
gave him the punk he said, ‘‘ I ought to gin ye 
somethin’ for these.” 

Olr no,” Archie hastened to say. We give 
them to you, of course.” 

We’ve got lots of ’em,” added Eddie. 

But I don’t want to take things without 
payin’ for them. Here’s some liquorice Miss 
Thompson gin me for cleanin’ out the hen-house. 
Will ye take two sticks for the crackers ?” 

Why, no. Wag, ’course not.” Eddie put his 
hands behind him so that he would not be tempted 
to take the sticky sweets of which he was so 
fond. 

All right,” said the big boy, laying down the 
pack, ye don’t have to trade if ye don’t want 
to. But I sha’n’t take the crackers without 
payin’ for ’em, and I hain’t got any money to- 
day.” 

The children saw that Wag meant what he 
said, so they hastened to close the bargain and 
made him happy again. Archie tasted the 
liquorice but didn’t like it, so Eddie took both 
126 


UNCLE SAM 


sticks, and made his hands and face black 
and smeary as he munched them, while Archie 
watched Wag^s crackers explode. When they 
were all gone the little boy suggested that they 
fire a whole pack at once, as his cousin Tom 
did. Eddie thought this would he rather waste- 
ful, but Wag settled the matter by proposing to 
fire half a pack at a time. 

Eddie consented to this. The crackers were 
buried in a heap of sand which fiew in every 
direction, and the exploding crackers made as 
much noise as any boy could wish. It sent Jip 
howling to the den. The Fourth was almost 
too much for his nerves. After the next grand 
explosion they fired the remaining crackers un- 
der logs and stones and tin cans until all were 
gone but one giant-cracker, which they saved for 
the last. After a good deal of consultation they 
decided to put it in Uncle Sam’s mouth and light 
it. It blew the dummy to pieces, much to the 
satisfaction of Archie and Wag. But Eddie was 
tired of noise, and was glad that there were no 
more crackers left. They brought out the tor- 
pedoes and masks now; but the torpedoes seemed 
rather tame after the giant-cracker, and they de- 
cided to play “ Indian ” with the masks. Uncle 
Weary had told them they might do what they 
liked with the figure of Uncle Sam, so they pull- 
ed out the straw which stuffed the coat and trou- 
127 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


sers, and Wag put these garments on. The chil- 
dren threw a blanket over his shoulders and 
stuck some chicken wings in his hair. Eddie 
made him a tomahawk of pasteboard, and Archie 
tied on the reddest of the false faces. He cer- 
tainly made a very good wild Indian as he ran 
shouting and whooping about the clearing. He 
captured the hoys, who hid behind trees, and 
dragged them to the den, where he scalped them 
in the most approved style. It was the greatest 
fun possible to himself and Archie, hut Eddie 
found the play a little too rough. He was not 
really afraid, hut when Wag canie toward him 
howling fiercely, with that horrible face on, it 
made him feel a little nervous, and he was glad 
when at last they were all tired and thirsty. The 
masks were thrown one side, and after a drink 
of cold water at the spring they settled down on 
the grass and made Jip perform some of his 
tricks. 

Why, there’s Uncle Weary !” exclaimed 
Archie, looking up. I thought he had just 
gone.” 

The exciting day had passed so swiftly they 
could not realize that it was almost over. 


CHAPTER XII 


THE CAHITOI?’ 

^'rrilME for supper, boys!’^ called Uncle 
JL .Weary. “ Archie may help me take care 
of the horse and Eddie start the fire.” 

I s’pose IVe got to go now,” said Wag, be- 
ginning to look for his hat. 

Ho, I saw Mr. Thompson at the village. He 
told me you may stay two nights. His cousin’s 
going home with him to make a visit and will 
help with the milking. I want you bright and 
early mornings to pick berries. They’re asking 
for a lot at the hotel just now.” 

This arrangement seemed almost too good to 
be true. Wag showed his appreciation by a wider 
grin than usual, and Eddie threw his arms about 
the big fellow, exclaiming, in his loving, im- 
pulsive fashion: 

Oh, I’m so glad, Wag! I wish you could 
stay with us always 1” 

New broom sweeps clean,” said Uncle 
Weary. Perhaps you wouldn’t like him so 
129 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

well if you had him all the time. We’ll see, now, 
how smart he is about house-work. You boys 
may get supper while I have a rest. This has 
been a pretty long day.” 

The farmer boy was as brisk and clever at one 
task as another. He cut the bread and pie very 
deftly, brought the water and butter from the 
spring, and set the table, while Eddie warmed 
over ” the potatoes and made the tea. 

The meal was ready in half an hour, but the 
young man was still sleeping in his hammock 
under the trees. 

He must be awful tired,” said Eddie. He 
got up so early this morning and he’s worked 
so hard all day.” 

We’d better let him sleep,” said Archie. 

Eddie thought so, too, and put the potatoes in 
the oven to keep warm and set the teapot on the 
hearth. 

They went to the spring to wait, and as they 
were tired they lay on the grass to rest, speak- 
ing in whispers so as not to disturb Uncle 
Weary, and in a moment all three were sound 
asleep. 

The nap lasted until they were wakened by 
hearing a chuckling laugh. They opened their 
eyes, and there stood Uncle Weary, his hands in 
his pockets, looking down at them. 

Well, well !” he said, American boys asleep 
130 


THE CANNON 

on the Fourth of July! Who ever heard of such 
a thing !” 

Eddie jumped up rubbing his eyes. Why, 
wasn’t that dreadful for us to go to sleep ! I 
didn’t know we were going to do that 1” he cried. 

It’s all right, sonny,” said the young man, 
looking at his watch. I^o harm done. I guess 
we all needed a nap. But it was a pretty long 
one. It’s half-past six now. We’ve been sleep- 
ing over an hour.” 

Wag and Archie had also risen to their feet, 
looking very much astonished and confused, but 
they were all soon laughing when they came to 
the table and found Jip sitting on a bench near 
it. He was evidently guarding the food from 
squirrels and chickens, and looked very sober and 
important. 

Oh, ain’t he the best dog that ever was 1” 
said Eddie, hugging the little fellow. 

It’s lucky we had some one to look after us 
or we wouldn’t have any supper left. I guess 
we’d better eat it now before we go to sleep 
again,” laughed Uncle Weary. 

Wag took the soft butter to the spring and ex- 
changed it for a hard piece. Archie brought 
some fresh water, and Eddie warmed the pota- 
toes again and made more tea. 

They were all very peaceful and happy as they 
sat round the table for their early evening meal. 

131 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


The heat of the day was over, and a cool breeze 
stirred the tops of the pines. The air was still 
and sweet. 

Uncle Weary left the table to smoke his pipe 
on a log by the smudge while the dishes were 
washed. 

I never had such a nice Fourth in my life,” 
said Eddie, as they washed the plates after 
supper. 

I never had no Fourth before,” said Wag, 
except once when I drove the folks to town. I 
seen the percession and I heerd the cannon. But 
they wouldnT let me stay. I had to go home to 
work.” 

IVe had lots of ’em,” said Archie, but this 
Fourth’s the best. It isn’t over yet, though. 
You know, we haven’t had the cannon yet. 
When are we going to fire it off. Uncle Weary ?” 
he called. 

Soon’s you get the work done up. We’d 
better name it the ^ sunset gun,’ I guess. You 
know, they fire those off in forts.” 

Shall we have it here ?” asked Eddie. 

“ Archie may pick out the spot for it to stand. 
Wag bring it out, and Eddie get the punk. It’s 
a particular kind that’s made for this cannon. 
Be very careful of it, Eddie. It’s in a square 
pasteboard box in the den. Set it in the middle 
of the table, and I’ll get it ready. Don’t touch 
132 


THE CANNON 


the cover. This kind of punk goes off sometimes 
when boys are around.” 

All these directions were so mysterious that 
the boys were quite excited as they obeyed the 
orders. Archie was very eager, but Eddie rather 
dreaded the awful noise that was sure to come. 

Wag brought out the bulky object. It was all 
his arms could lift, and placed it on the spot of 
ground Archie had prepared for it. But when 
the piece of burlap was taken off they saw an ice- 
cream freezer, and all laughed and clapped their 
hands. 

Oh, ice - cream !” shouted Eddie. That’s 
better than all the fire-crackers in the world !” 

We might have known Uncle Weary had an- 
other surprise for us,” said Archie, running into 
the den for saucers and spoons. 

N’ow let’s have the punk,” said Uncle Weary, 
lifting a large frosted cake from the box. 

There were four little American flags stuck 
in the top, and the letters A and E were outlined 
in pink on the white, shining surface. 

It’s a great deal too pretty to eat,” said 
Eddie, admiringly. 

That’s what I think, sonny,” said Uncle 
Weary, cutting big slices as he spoke. “ But 
that’s the way women folks do things. Em sent 
this to fire off the cannon with, and we have to 
do as she says.” 


133 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Did Em really make that cake for us said 
the little hoy. Isn’t she awfully good.” 

You better tell her so when you see her,” 
said Uncle Weary. But the proof of the pud- 
ding is in the eating. Let’s try it.” 

The cake tasted even better than it looked, and 
Eddie was soon reconciled to cutting it. 

Wag had never eaten ice - cream before, but 
when he had finished his first saucerful he agreed 
with Eddie that this was the best part of the 
celebration, although he had thought earlier in 
the day that nothing could equal the joy of firing 
crackers. 

When the last morsel of ice-cream was scraped 
from the tin and half the cake put away. Uncle 
Weary said : You’d better take a swim to-night. 
I guess you need it. It’s no matter if you go to 
bed a little late, since you had a nap; I expect 
you’re not as sleepy as usual.” 

Swimming on a summer evening is, for small 
boys, the next best thing to eating ice-cream. 
They agreed that nothing could be finer for 
winding up their delightful day. So they rested 
as usual after eating, and as soon as the dishes 
were washed and put away they started with Jip 
for the pond. 

As they walked through the woods Eddie ask- 
ed, Can you dive. Wag ?” 

Yes, ’course. Can’t you ?” 

134 


THE CANNON 


No, Archie and I can swim. I always knew » 
how, and he has learned so he can swim as well 
as I can, hnt we can’t dive. We want to ever 
so much, hut we’re afraid to try till somebody 
shows us how.” 

Uncle Weary said he would, hut he never 
gets time,” said Archie. 

What ’ll ye gin me to larn ye ?” asked Wag. 

I haven’t got but five cents,” said Eddie. 

It’s wuth mor’n that, but seein’ it’s you I’ll 
take it.” 

I have ten cents,” said Archie. 

The farmer hoy closed one eye and looked the 
child over critically. You’re littler than him,” 
he said, at last, so I’ll have to charge ye more. 
The littler ye be the harder it is to larn ye.” 

Will ten cents he enough ?” said Archie, anx- 
iously. 

“ Well, yes,” said Wag, hesitatingly. If it’s 
all you’ve got, I guess I’ll have to make it do. 
But yer gettin’ a bargain, both on ye.” 

The boys were much impressed by this gen- 
erosity, and agreed to give Wag his price as soon 
as they could get their money in the morning. 

You’re sure he won’t care ?” said Wag, point- 
ing with his thumb toward the camp. 

“ Uncle Weary says we may do just what we 
please with our own money,” said Eddie. 

We earn it ourselves,” added Archie. “ He 
135 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


gives us a cent for every quart we pick and for 
every fish we catch.’’ 

Ye ought to have a lot by this time,” remark- 
ed the boy. How’d ye come to be so short ?” 

Why, I paid Mr. Stone fifteen cents for the 
squirrel, and Eddie bought a collar for Jip for 
twenty-five cents, and last week we bought some 
candy and a ball of twine for a kite.” 

“ Well, ye better save up again. I’ll have 
somethin’ better’n them things to sell ye pretty 
soon.” 

They had reached the pond now, and in a 
twinkling were undressed and swimming about 
in the cool water. Wag seemed anxious to earn 
his money, for he worked faithfully with each 
little boy in turn until he was able to make the 
plunge into the dark, deep hole ” all alone, and 
come up sputtering and choking in the approved 
fashion. 

After that he taught them several fancy tricks, 
which he told them were thrown in so they would 
be sure to get the worth of their money. 

Uncle Weary had told them they might stay 
in longer than usual, so it was almost dark when 
they came out of the water, slipped into their 
clothes, and ran back to the clearing. 

What’s that ?” said Eddie, in great alarm, 
as they came near. 

They had heard a queer, whizzing sound, and 
136 


THE CANNON 


now a bright ball of fire shot up into the sky 
and fell over in a rain of millions of sparks. 

It’s fireworks !” shouted Archie. That’s 
why Uncle Weary let us go swimming to-night. 
He’s saved the best surprise for the last !” 

It was no novelty to the little city boy. He 
was used to much finer and more elaborate 
displays than they had that night, but they 
had never seemed so wonderful to him before. 
He watched the pinwheels, the Roman candles, 
and the sky - rockets, as they blazed, one after 
the other, against the dark background of the 
great pines, and shared the excitement and al- 
most awe of Wag and Eddie, and felt as though 
he had really never seen fireworks before. 

That’s all,” said Uncle Weary’s voice in the 
darkness, after the last bright fire balloon had 
disappeared. How go to bed and go to sleep. 
It’s been a pretty long day for you, but Fourth 
of July comes but once a year.” 

lO 


CHAPTEE XIII 


THROUGH THE WOODS 

W AG rose the next morning as soon as it was 
light enough to see the berries, and picked 
half enough for the hotel before breakfast. The 
little boys were never wakened, but as they went 
to bed usually at sunset they were up by five 
o’clock and ready, with a good appetite, for their 
hearty breakfasts, which were served at six 
o’clock. On the morning of the 5th, however, 
they slept an hour later. 

Uncle Weary was late, too. It’s against the 
law to get up early on the 5th,” he told them, 
when they appeared, “ and we had a pretty big 
Fourth to tire us out, didn’t we?” 

Oh, wasn’t it the nicest that ever was !” said 
Eddie, fervently. And the fireworks were the 
best surprise of all. They were just grand. 
Why, I couldn’t get to sleep at first, they kept 
going through my head so !” 

Yes, I’ve heard of wheels in folks’ heads 
after the Fourth,” said Uncle Weary, dryly, 
but I guess you’ll get rid of ’em to-day.” 

138 


THROUGH THE WOODS 


Wag taught us to dive last evening,” said 
Archie, and he only charged me ten cents and 
Eddie five.” 

It’s all you had, wasn’t it ?” 

Yes. Do you think it was too much ?” 

1^0, it was cheap enough,” said the yoimg 
man, laughing. I wouldn’t take the job for 
that price. But you’d better both look out for 
Wag. He’ll cheat you out of your eye-teeth, I’m 
afraid.” 

Ho,” said Archie, eagerly, he wants to pay 
for everything he gets, too. He wouldn’t take 
one fire-cracker until we let him give us some 
liquorice.” 

“ Well, that sounds fair,” said the young man. 

I guess Wag means well, but you don’t want to 
pay his price for things unless you know they’re 
worth it.” 

Breakfast was ready now, and after that was 
eaten the children picked berries until nine 
o’clock, and then all three started to the brook 
for trout. 

May Wag play with us after we get enough ?” 
asked Archie. 

“ I guess so,” said the young man, looking at 
the full baskets of nice berries. Don’t go too 
far off, and be back by dinner-time. Let me see 
if Archie’s watch is going all right.” 

The strong little time-piece was tied firmly by 
139 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


a leather string into a button-hole of the boy’s 
jacket. Eddie carried a compass fastened to him 
in the same way, so that their guardian felt sure 
they would be able to find their way back to 
camp at any given hour. 

As they started off with their fishing - poles, 
Wag said, Ask him if we can’t go over to 
Stone’s pond to fish for pick’rel.” 

What’s pick’rel ?” asked Archie. 

Why, don’t ye know that, ye little zany ?” 
said the boy, laughing. 

It’s a great big fish, Archie,” explained 
Eddie. He’s never been in the country be- 
fore, so he don’t know as much about such things 
as we do. Wag. But he can beat me all to pieces 
catching trout.” 

Well, we’ll larn him to ketch pick’rel, too,” 
said Wag, noticing that Archie looked morti- 
fied. 

Uncle Weary squinted up at the sky when they 
asked him if they might carry out Wag’s plan. 

It’s kind of cloudy. Pretty good day for 
pickerel,” he said. I guess I’ll let you go. 
But you’ll have to make a day of it. It’s three 
miles there, isn’t it. Wag?” 

’Tain’t so far through the woods,” said the 
boy. I know a cow-path that ’ll take us by a 
short cut.” 

Well, get out your knapsacks,” said Uncle 
140 


THROUGH THE WOODS 


Weary. You^ll have to take your dinners and 
perhaps your suppers. But you must be home 
by seven, sure.’’ 

The boys promised excitedly to be on time, and 
all hands began to prepare for the expedition. 
The knapsacks had been made by Uncle Weary 
on a rainy day. They were of strong denim, 
with a flap which buttoned down to keep in live 
animals which the boys sometimes brought home 
with their other treasures. These bags were 
strapped on their backs, so that arms and hands 
were free to climb trees and handle sticks and 
stones, and the boys could go where they pleased 
without any trouble. 

They agreed that they would take along some 
raw potatoes, slices of bacon, and plenty of bread 
and butter. Berries and perhaps a squirrel would 
provide enough extras. 

The boys had never been allowed to carry 
matches on their tramps. But on this occasion 
they were to build a fire to cook their bacon and 
roast potatoes in the ashes, and Wag was caution- 
ed to put out every spark when they were through, 
for fear of forest fires. 

When they were ready to start Archie picked 
up his fishing-pole, but Wag said : Ye don’t 
want that, kid. That ain’t no way to fish for 
pick’rel.” 

Don’t vou catch all kinds of fish with a hook 
141 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


and line?” asked Archie, appealing to Uncle 
Weary. 

I do,” said the young man, but I suppose 
this smart Aleck’s trying to show off how much 
more he knows than the rest of us.” 

It was Wag’s turn now to be embarrassed. 
He began digging the earth with his toe and 
laughing foolishly, but he said nothing; and 
Eddie asked, What ’ll you do about trout to-day 
for the hotel if we don’t catch any ?” 

You don’t think I’m going to let you have 
all the fun, do you? I think I’ll take a day 
off and go fishing myself.” 

Eddie wasn’t sure Uncle Weary was in ear- 
nest, so he ventured to say, Well, I hope you 
won’t be lonesome.” 

Lonesome !” echoed the young man. What 
did I do before you turned up ?” 

He went into the cave then and came out im- 
mediately with a small rifie. Archie’s eyes 
sparkled as he asked, Oh, where did you get 
that, and may we shoot with it ?” 

You know about the woman who wouldn’t 
let her boy go near the water till he could swim ? 
Well, you can’t use this till you learn to shoot.” 

Uncle Weary put the gun into Wag’s hands 
and gave him a box of cartridges. I bought 
this last week,” he said. I was going to use 
it yesterday, but we had banging enough without 
142 


THROUGH THE WOODS 


it. I expected to teach the hoys to shoot at a 
mark, but I guess you can do as well as I. They 
say you’re a pretty careful hoy. I guess I can 
trust you.” 

There was a joyful grin on Wag’s face, hut 
he said nothing as he took the gun in his hands 
and examined it critically. 

Archie was particularly happy over this sur- 
prise. For several years he had longed to have 
a real gun, such as his uncle George used in the 
Adirondack woods. But at home he had been 
impressed with the idea that it would he a long 
time before he would he old enough to handle 
one. And now it had come without his expecting 
it. It was the best thing, he thought, that had 
ever happened to him. 

Kin I shoot a squirrel if I see one ?” said 
Wag, breaking his silence at last. 

Yes, of course,” said Uncle Weary; hut 
don’t let the boys shoot at anything hut a mark 
to-day. When they hit that once or twice they 
may try to bring down some game.” 

Wag had not expressed any pleasure about the 
gun, hut Uncle Weary understood 'New England 
boys well, and was sure that the lumbering, over- 
grown fellow was the happiest of the three as 
they started off. 

Eddie and Archie were very familiar with the 
woods about the clearing. They roamed through 
143 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


them every day. But Wag soon led them into 
a new path which took them obliquely up the 
mountain, where they had never been before. 

Archie whistled, dip barked, and Eddie chat- 
tered as they walked along the path, but Wag 
was silent, looking sharply about him for squir- 
rels. 

I can’t never find one when yer so noisy,” 
he said, at last. You set down here a spell and 
keep the dog quiet.” 

They were now in an open space on the moun- 
tain-side. The boys sat on a fiat stone, promising 
to keep still, while Wag went into the woods 
again. But dip would not agree to be silent. 
He wriggled from Eddie’s hands when the boy 
tried to hold his mouth shut, and darted into the 
woods in an opposite direction from the one Wag 
had taken. 

In a few minutes they heard his cries of pain 
and fright, and followed quickly to see what was 
the matter. 

Wag had heard the dog, too, and came run- 
ning to join them, with a squirrel in one hand 
and the gun in the other. 

Oh, he’ll be killed !” cried Eddie, as they 
found dip rolling over and over with what seem- 
ed a brown ball of splinters in his paws. 

“ It’s a porky pine,” said Wag, loading his gun 
quickly. Stand back, and I’ll shoot him.” 

144 


THROUGH THE WOODS 


The animal had seen the boys and darted 
away from the dog, but Wag was too quick for 
him. He took good aim, and his bullet hit the 
little creature in the head, killing him at once. 

Fortunately the porcupine was young. His 
quills were not so stiff and hard as those of an 
older one. But they were bad enough, and some 
of them stuck in the mouth of the little dog, 
who came whining to Eddie for relief. 

Wag took the cruel barbed quills out very 
skilfully with his knife, and said, as he finished : 

There, I guess that ’ll larn ye to let porkypines 
alone! They’re more’n a match for a city dog 
like you 1” 

What can we do for his poor mouth ?” said 
Eddie, anxiously. 

“ A little bleedin’ won’t hurt him. We’re 
’most to a spring now, and a drink of cold water 
is what he wants. It’s about time for dinner, too, 
I guess.” 

The children thought so, too, so they hastened 
to the spring and built a fire near it. There was 
plenty of dried wood lying about, and they soon 
had some hot ashes in which to roast the pota- 
toes. Wag cut for each of them a pronged stick, 
like a big fork. On these prongs they stuck the 
bacon and joints of the squirrel, and roasted 
them over the live coals. It was hot, smoky work, 
and their faces were red and covered with per- 
145 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

spiration, but they thought the meat tasted a 
great deal better than any they had ever eaten 
cooked in a pot or a frying-pan. They were in 
too much of a hurry to gather berries for dessert, 
for Wag had told them he meant to have them 
try the new gun after dinner. 

There was an old fence near them which they 
thought would make a good target. Eddie mark- 
ed off a circle on a board, with a big bulTs-eye in 
the centre, Wag loaded the gun, and at last they 
were ready. 

N^ow, I’ll have to charge ye for this, ye 
know,” said Wag. Ye don’t expect me to larn 
ye for nothin’.” 

How much ?” asked Eddie, anxiously. 

We gave you all the money we had for div- 
ing lessons yesterday,” said Archie. 

I’ll charge it up, and ye can pay me when 
ye get yer next money.” 

The boys were much relieved at this offer. 
They expected to have some more berry money 
the next day, so the bargain was made that for 
the hour they meant to spend at the practice they 
would pay Wag five cents apiece. 

‘^How much are you going to pay Uncle 
Weary for using the gun yourself?” asked Ar- 
chie. 

By jinks, I never thought of that,” said Wag, 
looking rather blank. I had ought to pay him, 
146 


THROUGH THE WOODS 

that’s a fact ! How much d’ye s’pose he’ll charge 
me ?” 

Why, nothing, of course,” said Eddie. He 
told you to use the rifle and never said a word 
about pay.” 

I ain’t no sponger. I just tell ye, now, I 
ain’t agoin’ to fire this gun without payin’ for 
it.” 

Well,” said Archie, I think he’d ask you 
what you charge us for lessons.” 

Do ye ?” said the big boy, eagerly. Then 
I’ll tell ye how we’ll fix it. We’ll call it square 
between us, and you can settle with him.” 

This pleased the boys. They wanted to shoot 
and were ready to agree to anything. 

So they began. They didn’t hit the mark, but 
it was fun just the same. Wag showed them 
how to load and hold the gun, and was very pa- 
tient with their blunders. When they were 
through he said : Well, ye did pretty well for 
such little tads. Ye can’t expect to hit the bull’s- 
eye first off, ye know.” 

Do you suppose Uncle Weary will let us 
shoot again to-morrow?” asked Archie. 

I guess so,” said Wag, shouldering the gun. 

But we better be gittin’ on now, or we won’t 
ketch no pick’rel to-day.” 

They made no more stops after this, and about 
one o’clock they reached the fish-pond. It was 
147 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


a quiet, crooked little sheet of water, with trees 
on three sides of it, and a small, rocky farm on 
the other. A tiny brown house stood near the 
edge of the pond. It had two windows and a 
door in front, and an ell with a porch on one 
side. 

It was so still all about, the children thought 
the place must he deserted. But Wag stepped at 
once on to the clean, sagging floor of the porch 
and rapped loudly on the open door. Old Mis^ 
Stone’s deef,” he explained. Ye have to thump 
like the mischief to make her hear.” 


CHAPTEK XIV 


PICKEREL 

W AG knocked again, but nobody answered. 

At last they peeped through a window 
and saw a little old woman in a rocking-chair ap- 
parently sound asleep. 

She’ll never hear us,” said Wag. I guess 
we’ll have to go in and wake her up. Xo, we 
won’t,” he added, immediately, here comes Mr. 
Stone.” 

A stooping old man, leaning on a cane, came 
limping round the corner of the porch. Can’t 
ye make her hear ?” he called to Wag. She 
must be takin’ a nap. Come in and I’ll find out.” 

The light was so dim in the little sitting-room 
that the boys could hardly make out the objects 
in it, but they heard a cracked old voice saying: 
What’s the matter, Hiram ? Was I snorin’ ?” 
Wake up, ma ! You’ve got some company !” 
shouted the old man, close to her ear. 

“ For massy’s sake ! Is that so !” exclaimed 
the old woman, rising slowly from her chair and 
149 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


hobbling toward the door where her visitors stood. 

I must ’a’ ben takin’ a cat nap. Ye wasn’t 
knocking long, was je?” 

They might ’a’ knocked an hour and ye 
wouldn’t ’a’ heerd ’em. If they’d ’a’ ben robbers 
they’d ’a’ carried the house off,” chuckled the old 
man. 

I guess by their looks they ain’t robbers,” 
said his old wife, peering into the faces of the 
boys. 

Why, this is Lem Judkins, ain’t it!” she ex- 
claimed. Y’ve grow’d so I didn’t know ye. 
And who be these little fellers ?” 

It’s that campin’ man’s young ones, ma. 
Y’ know I’ve had some dicker with him, and I 
told ye about him,” said her husband. 

“ Oh yes, I remember now. I’m glad to see 
ye,” she said, turning to the boys. Won’t ye 
set down ? I’m so lame I can’t git round very 
fast. Y’ll have to git yer own chairs.” 

We can’t set down,” said Wag. We came 
to fish for pick’rel.” 

She had brought out her ear-trumpet now, and 
could hear very well. My, what a pity 1” 
she said, and ye come so far, too ! But I’m 
afraid ye can’t do no fishing to-day. ’Lonzo’s 
gone to town to git his wagon fixed. He keeps 
his boat locked up so nobody can use it when 
he’s gone.” 


150 


PICKEREL 


I’ll take ’em fishin’ in my boat,” said the 
old man. 

ITow don’t yon do no snch foolish thing, 
Hiram !” exclaimed his wife, anxiously. You 
know ’Lonzo won’t like it a mite. He’s afraid 
ye’ll git upset in that ticklish little boat o’ 
yourn, and your rheumatiz is so bad ye can hard- 
ly hold the oars.” 

Cat’s hind leg !” said the old fellow, im- 
patiently. What does ’Lonzo know about it ? 
I’ve ketched pick’rel in that there pond afore he 
was born. I guess I know what I’m about.” 

But, pa — ” still protested the old woman, 
following him to the door. 

Don’t say nothin’ more about it, Sarey. I’m 
goin’. Come on, boys.” 

Well, if you will go,” she said, in a resigned 
tone, ye better put on yer coat. Like as not 
it ’ll be cold out on the water.” 

The old man took the garment from her hand, 
and she turned to the boys, saying : It’s a nice 
day for fishin’. Ye ought to git a lot on ’em. 
Ye know we always take half that folks ketch 
here, don’t ye ?” 

That’s all right, Mis’ Stone,” said Wag, as 
they moved away. We’ll divide up even.” 

They found the boat in a tumble-down shed 
near the pond, but it was too small to carry more 
than two at a time. The old man climbed slow- 
151 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


ly and painfully into it and placed the weather- 
beaten oars in their sockets. 

Guess better take the littlest feller first/’ 
he said. We’ll see how it goes with him, and 
the other two of ye can take turns arterward.” 

Archie was placed in a seat at the stern of the 
boat, Wag pushed them off, and the old farmer 
began to row carefully and creakingly out toward 
deeper water. 

Ye ain’t afeard of the Water, be ye ?” he ask- 
ed the little hoy. 

Yo, I’m not afraid,” said Archie. I can 
swim.” 

Well, ye won’t have to to-day,” chuckled the 
old man, unless a big pick’rel pulls ye over- 
hoard.” 

How do you catch ’em ?” asked Archie. 

Y’ll find out pretty quick.” He picked up 
a long fish-line wound around a piece of shingle. 

We call this a trollin’-line, ye know.” 

Do the fish bite that tin thing ?” asked 
Archie, pointing to a showy object fastened at 
the end of the line. This was a spoon-shaped 
piece of tin, red on one side and white on the 
other, fastened to a swivel so that it would re- 
volve when dragged through the water, and there 
were also some gaudy feathers nearly hiding three 
sharp hooks. 

Pick’rel hain’t got much gumption,” an- 
152 


PICKEREL 


swered the old man, “ but they Ve got lots of 
curiosity. They foller along to see what that 
whirler is. Most likely they think it’s some kind 
of little fish. So they swaller it, and first thing 
they know they feel the hooks, and there they be.” 
Then he began to row, and Archie dropped the 
spoon into the water, unreeling the line until 
the bright metal was whirling just under the sur- 
face quite a distance astern. 

For a time everything was quiet. Suddenly 
there was a splash behind them and a sharp tug 
at the line. 

It’s a fish ! It’s a fish !” shouted Archie. 

I vum, I believe ’tis !” said the old fisherman, 
equally excited. ISTow you do just as I tell 
ye, or ye’ll lose him. Pick’rel’s awful game. 
You got to manage ’em just right, or they’ll git 
away from ye !” 

What shall I do ?” asked the boy. 

Take a good hold on the line and haul in. 
If he jerks hard let it out ag’in, so he’ll think he’s 
free. When he’s quiet draw him in ag’in, and 
then let him out not quite so far, and keep that 
up till he’s tired. Do ye s’pose ye kin do it? 
Gol! if I didn’t have the rheumatiz so bad, I’d 
fix him !” 

“ Oh, I can do it,” said Archie, confidently, 
if you’ll just tell me how. I want to haul him 
in myself, awfully 1” 

xz 


153 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Well, I guess 1^11 have to let ye try. There 1 
Let the line out, quick !” he shouted. He’ll 
git away from ye, sure as guns 1” 

Archie had learned to catch trout, and his 
experience was useful now. He soon found out 
how far he could draw the struggling fish toward 
him and when he must slacken the line. 

Well, it beats all how well ye do it for the 
fust time. I guess y’ll git him arter all,” said 
the old man, encouragingly, as the hoy braced 
himself and played the strong fish when it strug- 
gled to break away. Forward and hack, to this 
side and that, rushed the pickerel, now and then 
beating the water into foam. The boat rocked, 
and once water came over the sides. But both 
old and young fisherman were too absorbed to 
think of danger. 

Hold on to him ! Give him line ! Haul 
him in now, he’s ’most tuckered out !” the old 
man shouted, as the battle went on. 

I’ll get him,” said the little fellow between 
his clenched teeth, tugging desperately. But he 
was growing tired. For a moment it seemed 
doubtful if he could capture his prize. But he 
held on, and suddenly the fish gave up. Very 
carefully Archie drew it to the boat, and, with 
the old man’s help, it was lifted over the side. 

Archie dropped into his seat panting. He was 
too happy for words, even if he could have 
154 


PICKEREL 


spoken. But the old man chuckled joyously: 

By jinks, ain’t he a monster! I wonder what 
’Lonzo ’ll say to him. We haven’t caught a big- 
ger one in this pond for ten years.” 

The gasping pickerel was knocked on the head 
and lay quietly at Archie’s feet. How long 
is he, and how much do you think he weighs?” 
asked the little boy, wishing that his father and 
TJncle George could see him now. 

Mr. Stone took a two-foot rule from his pocket 
and measured the fish. He’s two foot and one 
inch, and he weighs all of five pounds,” he an- 
swered. You’re a pretty stout little feller to 
hang on ’s ye did,” he went on ; and he pulled 
like the mischief, didn’t he ?” 

Yes,” said Archie. He was awful strong. 
But I think it’s fun to catch pickerel. Can’t we 
try for another?” 

I guess we’ll have to gin ye one more chance 
if ye ain’t heat out, but I expect the other fellers 
are gittin’ anxious to have their turn come.” 

We don’t have to get home till seven o’clock,” 
urged Archie. 

All right. Git yer wind back a little, and 
then we’ll make another haul, maybe. But you 
mustn’t expect another fish as big as this.” 

They hailed the water from the boat and put 
the line out again. Mr. Stone rowed steadily, 
and both pairs of eyes were fastened intently on 
155 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


the shining spoon under the water. They had 
let out all the line, and Archie was holding it 
near the end. 

By gracious, if we hainT got another ex- 
claimed the old man in a few minutes, as the 
line began to waver. And he’s a whopper, too !” 

There was a sudden jerk, and to Archie’s sur- 
prise the line was pulled from his tired fingers. 
The big fish had spoon, line, and all. He looked 
after it in dismay as it quickly disappeared. 

Why, how did that happen ?” he cried. 

Don’t ye see 1 The pesky critter got away 
with the hull thing.” The old man took off his 
hat and wiped the perspiration from his fore- 
head as he spoke. 

Can’t we go back and get another line ?” 
asked Archie. 

All the lines are locked up in ’Lonzo’s boat- 
house. This was all I had. I expect you was 
rather tuckered, and the big feller was too much 
for ye. But it can’t be helped,” he added, kindly, 
noticing the boy’s downcast looks. Ye did the 
best ye could, and ye got one big feller, anyway. 
But now the line’s gone, we might as well go back 
to land.” 

Wag and Eddie had been exploring while they 
waited, and each one had found a treasure. They 
had come across an old, deserted charcoal-burner’s 
camp, where in one of the sheds was a little, half- 
156 


PICKEREL 


starved kitten. It was mewing feebly, and did 
not try to run away when the boys came near it. 
When Eddie picked it up he found that one of 
its eyes was closed and the other half shut. 

Poor little thing,” said the boy, pityingly. 

I wonder if Uncle Weary would let me keep 
it!” 

I wouldn’t take that mangy thing,” said 
Wag. If you want a cat, why don’t you have a 
good one. Anybody’d gin it to ye. Folks is 
always trying to git rid o’ kittens.” 

I like this one,” said Eddie, and I’m going 
to ask Mrs. Stone to let me have it.” 

Wag couldn’t understand such foolishness, but 
he laughed and went otf whistling toward the 
pond, while Eddie ran to the house with the 
kitten. 

Mrs. Stone was very kind. ’Course you may 
have it,” she said. I expect it’s one of old 
Betsey’s kittens. ’Lonzo drowned the hull batch, 
or thought he did, but this one must hev got 
away. Some cats seem to have mor’n nine lives. 
Ye can’t kill ’em.” 

She gave the little outcast some warm milk, 
which it drank eagerly, and then cuddled down 
into Eddie’s arms and went to sleep. 

The child was sitting on the door-step stroking 
the rough fur of his new pet when Mr. Stone 
and Archie came up with the big pickerel. 

157 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Ain’t that a whopper for this little tyke to 
ketch, ma?” said the old man, holding up the 
fish for her to see. 

His wife raised her hands in astonishment. 

Ye don’t mean to tell me he pulled that whale 
into the boat alone !” she cried. 

Ho,” said Archie, Mr. Stone helped me do 
that, but I partly caught him.” 

Well, I’d think it ud take both on ye to 
handle him. How on earth could ye do any- 
thing, pa, when yer so lame ?” 

I guess I forgot all about the rheumatiz for 
once, Sarey,” giggled the old man. 

I sh’d say ye did ! Look at yer pants ! And 
yer feet’s soppin wet, too, ain’t they? Come 
right in and change your clothes. You’ll be laid 
up ag’in to pay for this! I never see such an 
old coot !” 

She went in, grumbling, and the old man fol- 
lowed meekly, although he didn’t look so sorry 
as perhaps he ought. 

While Archie was telling Eddie of his wonder- 
ful experience in the boat. Wag came up the road 
in his shirt-sleeves, his coat wrapped round an ob- 
ject he carried under his arm. He laid it down 
carefully when he reached the door-step, and be- 
gan examining Archie’s big fish while he listened 
to the story of its capture. 

He made no comment until Archie had fin- 
158 


PICKEREL 

ished, and then said, What’s yer price for 
him?” 

He isn’t mine to sell,” said Archie. Mrs. 
Stone said they take half, and we haven’t but 
one, so I suppose we’ll have to give it to them.” 

“ Ho,” interrupted Eddie, eagerly. Didn’t 
you hear Mr. Stone say you caught it ? I know 
he means to give it to you; and isn’t it great 
for Archie to catch the biggest fish in the pond. 
Wag? And the first time he tried, too!” 

The old couple came out now, and Archie said, 
Here’s your fish, Mrs. Stone. We didn’t get 
hut one, and so it belongs to you.” 

The old woman looked pleased. Well,” she 
said, if you don’t want it, we’ll he glad to have 
it for supper. It ’ll make a nice mess for us.” 

How, Sarey,” said her husband, indignantly, 
ain’t ye ashamed to take the little feller’s fish 
away from him ?” 

But she said you took half, you know,” in- 
terrupted Archie, “ and I didn’t get it all alone. 
It’s more yours than mine.” 

Well, I guess you’ve earned it, huh. You 
worked like a- nailer for it, and you’d ought to 
have it. You take it right along.” 

But the little boy’s sense of justice was not 
satisfied, although he wanted very much to take 
the fish home to show Uncle Weary. 

She wants it,” he began, and — ” 

150 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Btit the discussion was ended here. Mrs. 
Stone laid the fish on the table and cut it in two 
with a sharp knife. 

“ Massy sakes, ma, what you doin’ said the 
farmer, too late to hinder her. ISTow you’ve 
sp’iled it for him.” 

ISTo, I hain’t. It’s plenty big enough for two 
messes, and it ’ll be an awful sight easier for him 
to carry home now.” 

Well, you’re the beatenest !” said the old 
man, turning away. 

Archie was sorry to have his beautiful pickerel 
cut in two, but half a fish was better than none, 
and he was very glad to have the head part given 
to him, for now he could show Uncle Weary how 
big it really was. 

Eddie was rather glad that there was no more 
fishing to be done that day. He did not care 
for the sport as much as Archie, and he was 
now very much interested in his kitten and 
wanted to get home with it as soon as possible. 

Wag was disappointed, but he was too good- 
natured to fret about what couldn’t be helped. 
He proposed now to start back, going a round- 
about way to a deserted farm where he thought 
they could get some spruce-gum. 

Ain’t ye going to gin ’em somethin’ to eat, 
ma ?” called Mr. Stone, as the boys rose to go. 

Mrs. Stone was in the pantry, and answered, 
160 


PICKEREL 


rather testily : That’s what I’m gittin’. Ye 
needn’t be in sech a stew, pa. Ye never knew 
me to starve children, did ye ?” 

They had in their knapsacks plenty of food 
for supper, hut the fresh seed -cookies brought 
out to them looked very tempting, so they each 
took one and began eating it as they walked 
away. Wag carrying his bundle hanging from 
the rifle on his shoulder, Archie with his pre- 
cious half - pickerel fastened on a strong twig, 
Eddie tenderly holding in his arms his little 
waif, and the much -subdued Jip following si- 
lently. 

Come again,” said Farmer Stone, heartily, 
as he let down the bars for them to pass through ; 
and, handing a package of green corn to Eddie, 
he added : Take these roastin’ ears to yer un- 
cle. They’ll taste kinder good, I guess. Campers 
generally likes ’em fust-rate.” 


CHAPTEK XV 


THE MENAGERIE 



HAT’S that done up in your coat, Wag?” 


f f asked Eddie, at last, noticing the mys- 
terious bundle. 

Eor answer Wag laid his coat down on the 
grass and, opening its folds, showed them a half- 
grown turtle. 

Will you sell him ?” asked Eddie, who had 
looked in vain for one to keep by the spring. 

What ’ll ye gin me for him ?” 

Five cents.” 

’Tain’t enough. I kin git twenty-five for him 
from a boy at the hotel.” 

But I can’t afford more than ten, anyway,” 
said the boy. 

Well, seein’ it’s you. I’ll let ye hev him for 
twelve cents. You know, ’tain’t cash down. I’ll 
hev to charge ye for it, and that makes it come 
higher.” 

Eddie agreed to this price, and the turtle be- 
came his. 


162 


THE MENAGERIE 


But how’ll ye carry it and yer cat at the 
same time?” asked Wag. 

You ought to deliver your goods,” said Ar- 
chie. Other folks do.” 

That’s a fact. I didn’t think o’ that. I’ll 
carry him home for ye.” 

The good-natured fellow began to tie up the 
bundle again, but the boys had not seen enough 
of the new treasure. They begged Wag to let 
them play with him, and began poking under his 
shell with sticks to make him snap at them. But 
the animal seemed to be rather torpid and slow. 
He stuck out his head once, feebly, then drew it 
back, and could not be induced to show any sign 
of life again. 

What’s the matter of him ?” asked Eddie. 

I never saw one before that wouldn’t snap at 
a stick.” 

Perhaps he ain’t the snappin’ kind,” remark- 
ed Wag. 

Archie turned the creature on its back to see 
it right itself, but it lay perfectly still, and, look- 
ing closer, they found that its lower shell was 
cracked. 

Before the boys could say anything. Wag ex- 
claimed : Why, how did that happen, I wonder ? 
I didn’t turn him over when I found him, and 
he looked all right. I’ll hev to throw oif some- 
thin’ from the price.” 


163 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


You don’t want him at all, do you, Eddie 
Archie asked. He’ll die soon, won’t he ?” 

Oh, Uncle Weary can mend him all right,” 
said Eddie. You gave him to me so cheap. 
Wag, you needn’t throw off anything.” 

But Wag insisted on reducing the price. I 
ain’t no cheater,” he said. If it’s damaged, it 
ain’t wuth so much as a sound one. I’ll throw 
off five cents.” 

Eddie thought this was quite enough to de- 
duct, and so it was settled. Wag then wrapped 
the wounded creature in his coat and they start- 
ed on. 

The old Wilkins farm, where they were going 
for spruce - gum, was in a lonely spot on the 
mountain - side, higher than the clearing and 
about half a mile away. Before turning into 
the old wood road leading to this place the hoys 
found the dead porcupine, which had been placed 
in the crotch of a tree ready to take home on their 
return. Wag tied its hind legs together and car- 
ried it in his left hand, hanging on a strong hit 
of twine. Soon they came to a good stopping- 
place by a running brook, and decided to eat 
supper there. 

It was a cold meal, as they had no time for a 
fire to roast potatoes and broil bacon. There were 
only two hours before they must be at home, and 
they wanted to spend part of that time shooting 
164 


THE MENAGERIE 


at a mark on the Wilkins barn. So they only 
stopped long enough to eat their bread and but- 
ter and doughnuts and drink some cold water 
from the spring. 

The little homestead looked very forlorn and 
forsaken when they reached it. The weather- 
beaten clapboards were hanging loose, the doors 
were fallen in, and the glass was gone from all 
the windows. 

Wag had been there several times, and seemed 
very familiar with the place. “ This is the way 
to the barn,’’ he said, as he took the boys through 
a tiny orchard, with half a dozen old, gnarled 
trees in it, and a small garden where the weeds 
were taller than their heads. 

There used to be a well back o’ the house 
where we could git some water for the dog,” he 
said, stopping, as dip came up to Eddie with his 
tongue hanging out. 

The child put down the kitten and started to 
look for the water at once, but in a moment the 
others heard him exclaiming : Oh, come here, 
quick ! There’s something at the bottom of a 
hole. It looks like a little calf.” 

They hurried to the place and looked in. By 
gum, it’s a fawn!” exclaimed Wag. 

“ Do you mean a little deer ?” asked Archie, 
excitedly. 

Yes, of course. This hole’s a well that old 
165 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

man Wilkins started to dig, and then giv’ it np 
’cause the witch-hazel said they want no water 
there. I s’pose the deers come round here, and 
that’s how the little critter fell in.” 

Can’t we get him out ?” asked Eddie. 

I dunno. P’r’aps so. I’ll see if I kin find 
a spade or somethin’ to dig with.” 

An old shovel with a broken handle was found 
in a shed, and with this Wag began to dig away 
one side of the old well to make an inclined 
plane. The hole was not more than four feet 
deep, so there was no trouble in doing this, and 
he soon slipped down to the trembling little creat- 
ure lying at the bottom. 

He’s broke his leg, and I guess he’s nigh 
starved. ’Tain’t wuth while to git him out, is 
it ?” he called to the boys, after a short examina- 
tion. 

Oh yes. Don’t leave it there to die,” im- 
plored Eddie. Let’s take it to Uncle Weary. 
He knows how to cure everything.” 

Archie was also very anxious to rescue the 
fawn, feeling sure its leg could be mended and 
they would be able to tame it. 

I don’t see how we can,” said Wag. We 
can’t never lift it out o’ here, and if ’tain’t done 
pretty quick it ’ll be dead, sure.” 

Can’t you tie him up in your coat, like the 
mud-turtle, and let us haul him out ?” suggested 
166 


THE MENAGERIE 


Eddie. I guess we could find some rope round 
here somewhere.’’ 

He’s too big for that,” said Wag. See his 
long legs.” 

The little fawn looked up to the children with 
large, imploring eyes, and when it saw Jip it 
seemed almost frantic with fear, and struggled 
to rise. 

Take the dog away !” shouted Wag. He’ll 
scare this thing to death !” 

They had a string with them with which they 
tied Jip to a tree, and then all three of them went 
to the house to search for something to use in 
their task, and were lucky in finding what would 
serve their purpose very well. 

In one of the tiny bedrooms was a wooden 
post bedstead, with a rope crossed back and forth 
from its sides in squares to hold a straw bed. 
The bed-ticking was old and patched. The peo- 
ple leaving the house had evidently either for- 
gotten it or thought it not worth carrying away. 

Wag said it would answer their purpose, and 
the rope was exactly what they wanted. So 
he unlaced and wound it into a coil while the 
children carried down the bed. The hole was 
big enough for the three boys to work in com- 
fortably, and they lifted the suffering little creat- 
ure on the makeshift stretcher. Wag fastened 
the rope to the big bundle, which he made by 
167 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


tying the four corners of the bed together, and in 
this way they were able very easily to haul their 
burden up the inclined plane. 

The fawn was too frightened to stir when they 
landed it on the ground, and looked from one to 
the other as though begging them to be kind. It 
had a beautiful head, with a delicate nose, large 
bright-brown eyes, and pink-lined ears, and its 
light-brown body was dotted with white spots. 

As soon as he saw the fawn by a good light, 
Wag decided that he wanted to own it. ITl 
gin ye twenty-five cents for him,’’ he said, turn- 
ing to Eddie. 

Why, it’s as much yours as mine,” returned 
the boy. It belongs to all of us.” 

N*o, it’s yours. You found it. But I want 
to buy it.” 

What would you do with it. Wag?” asked 
Archie. 

I’d sell it to a boy at the hotel. He’d gin 
me as much as a dollar for it, maybe.” 

But its leg’s broken, you know. You couldn’t 
sell it that way.” 

I’d git yer uncle to mend it. I’d pay him 
out o’ the dollar. He wouldn’t charge mor’n 
fifty cents, I guess, and then I’d make a quarter.” 

Why shouldn’t Eddie sell it and make the 
quarter ?” argued Archie. 

He don’t know the boy,” said Wag. 

168 


THE MENAGERIE 


But Eddie interrupted them by saying : If 
the fawn’s mine, I don’t think I’ll sell it. I want 
it for a pet for Archie and me.” 

All right,” said the pliant Wag. It’s yourn 
to do what ye please with. But if we don’t 
start pretty quick we sha’n’t git home by seven 
o’clock.” 

All idea of shooting had to be given up, of 
course. The turtle was placed in Archie’s knap- 
sack, Eddie carried the kitten in his. Wag shoul- 
dered the rifle with the porcupine dangling from 
it, and with his right hand grasped one side of 
the bundle, while the two children carried the 
other side with their left hands, their right hands 
being occupied with the pickerel and the roasting- 
ears. It was a hard, toilsome trip home over the 
stony paths through the woods, but it was down- 
hill all the way, and that was in their favor. 

They were just one minute late when they 
reached the camp and began to tell Uncle Weary 
the story of the day’s adventures. 

He laughed heartily when they had flnished, 
and said: Well, this is what you call pickerel- 
fishing, is it? You’ve brought home a wounded 
dog, a sick kitten, a cracked turtle, a broken- 
legged deer, and half a fish. I call this a men- 
agerie, and a lame one at that. You want me to 
doctor ’em, do you ? I’ll have a hospital on my 
hands at this rate. But I’m glad the porcupine 
la 169 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


is dead. You can’t expect me to fix him up, 
an3rway.” 

Archie was disappointed that no more notice 
was taken of his pickerel. But Uncle Weary made 
matters right with him at the supper-table by re- 
marking, as they picked the hones : Pretty good 
fish, sonny. I guess you’re going to make a first- 
class fisherman.” 


CHAPTEE XVI 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 

U XCLE WEAEY had told the boys that his 
birthday came on the eleventh of July. 

I’m apt to forget it nowadays/’ he had said, 
but when I was your age I remembered fast 
enough, for Aunt Xancy always made a big frost- 
ed cake for me, and asked my cousins to spend 
the day and help eat it. She said she was glad 
it didn’t come any sooner, for it gave her a chance 
to rest up a little after the Fourth before any 
more doings.” 

How old are you ?” Eddie had asked. 

I’m an old man, three times your age, sonny. 
If you can figure that out, you’ll know.” 

He had thought no more of the conversation, 
and, as usual, had forgotten about the anni- 
versary ; hut the boys remembered, and made up 
their minds to give him a surprise. After set- 
tling with Wag, each of them had about twenty- 
five cents. Archie decided to buy a knife with 
his money. He knew Uncle Weary needed a new 
171 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


one, and Eddie thought he would get a bright- 
blue necktie he had seen in the store window 
and admired very much. 

When they told Wag of their plan he was very 
much pleased. That’s the thing to do, boys !” 
he cried, and, by ginger. I’ll gin him somethin’ 
myself !” 

That ’ll be nice. What will it be ?” asked 
Eddie. 

I dunno ; I’ll have to think about it a spell. 
I’ll tell ye to-morrow.” 

You’d better get it to-night,” said Archie, 
who was forehanded.” The birthday comes 
day after to-morrow, and we want to put our 
presents on the breakfast-table. You know, you 
don’t get here until after that.” 

Wag promised to have his gift ready in time, 
and then spent the day in thinking. He an- 
swered the boys’ questions in an absent-minded 
way, and seemed not to hear them sometimes 
when they spoke to him. But he was as good 
as his word, and brought his contribution the 
next day. With a beaming face he handed 
Archie his parcel, and told him to put it care- 
fully away in a safe place where thieves couldn’t 
find it. 

What is it ?” asked Archie, rather blankly, 
as the heavy, oblong object was placed in his 
hands. 


172 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 


Why, it’s a whetstun. Hain’t ye never seen 
one afore 

N^o,” said Archie, apologetically. I’m 
sorry, but I don’t know what it’s used for.” 

It’s to sharpen scythes that cut grass,” said 
Eddie. 

' But Uncle Weary doesn’t use scythes.” 

“ He’ll have one sometime,” said Wag, con- 
fidently, and then it ’ll come in handy.” 

Can’t he sharpen his knife on it ?” asked 
Archie. 

It’s too coarse for that,” said Eddie, ex- 
amining the stone. But I know Uncle Weary 
will like it,” he added, fearing to hurt Wag’s 
feelings. 

’Course he will,” said the farmer boy, em- 
phatically. They ain’t nothin’ a man likes so 
much as a good new whetstun, and this is the 
best one I could find. It cost me eighteen cents. 
I beat down old Wilson seven cents on it.” 

In the afternoon, when the children went to 
the village to buy their presents, Eddie was much 
disappointed. He found that some one else had 
liked the blue necktie and had taken it away. 
He could find nothing now in the store that suit- 
ed him. He and Archie had been sent to the 
hotel with the berries, and afterward were to 
go about half a mile beyond the village to buy 
some goose eggs. They decided they would do 
173 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


this errand, and perhaps on the waj would be 
able to think of something to buy when they 
went back to the village. It was a lucky plan, for 
before they returned Eddie’s present came to him 
in a very unexpected way. 

They found the house they were looking for 
easily enough. It stood in plain view near the 
road, with a rail fence enclosing it, and a flock 
of noisy geese in its large yard. 

As they came near, the boys saw a group of 
little children, the oldest not more than six years 
old, who seemed to be in great distress. They 
were crying and screaming, and in their midst 
was a white object fluttering and swaying 
about. 

It’s our old gander,” sobbed the oldest child. 

He’s got caught in the fence, and we can’t git 
him out.” 

Eddie was strong and quick. He saw at once 
what to do, and lifted the end of a heavy rail 
which with another one formed a sort of V, into 
which the bird’s neck had become wedged. The 
more it tried to free itself the tighter it stuck, 
and it was almost strangled when Eddie released 
it, and for a few minutes it lay on the grass 
gasping for breath. 

Why didn’t you call your folks to get him 
out ?” asked Archie. 

They ain’t anybody at home but us,” said one 
174 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 


little fellow. Papa is in the wood - lot, and 
mama has gone to Aimt Sue’s to get some 
yeast.” 

Oh, here’s mama !” exclaimed a little girl. 
They all turned and saw a young woman coming 
rapidly toward them. 

“ What’s the matter, children ?” she called, 
anxiously. “ Is anybody hurt ?” 

Old Caesar’s most killed,” said the oldest 
child, as they all ran to meet her. He got 
stuck in the fence, and we all pulled to get him 
out and we couldn’t, and this boy lifted the rail 
up and then he got loose.” 

Oh, you poor, silly old thing !” said the 
woman, bending over the gander. Are you 
trying to hang yourself in your old age ?” 

The bird struggled to his feet and waddled 
off to join his excited quacking family, as though 
offended by her words. 

I guess he’s all right now,” said the woman, 
seeming much relieved. I expect you saved 
his life,” she went on, laying her hand on Eddie’s 
shoulder, “ and I can’t tell you how much obliged 
we are. We think everything of old Caesar.” 

Oh, that wasn’t anything, just to lift up the 
rail,” said the hoy, blushing. 

Oh yes, it was a good deal to know just what 
to do and do it right off. There ain’t many that 
would have thought so quick. You are the hoys 
175 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Mr. Williams sent for the eggs, I guess ; they’re 
all ready for you. Come in, and I’ll get them.” 

She had a sweet voice and manner, and, as the 
whole troop followed her into the house, Archie 
and Eddie felt as though they had always known 
and liked her. 

They were taken into a clean little parlor with 
a painted floor. The windows are darkened 
to keep out the flies,” she explained, as she lifted 
a green shade and opened one of them to let in 
the fresh air. 

The children were not allowed to go into the 
room, and peeped shyly through the door while 
their mother went away for the eggs. Archie 
had never seen a room like it, but it seemed very 
familiar to Eddie. Almost everything in it was 
home-made. There were several round and ob- 
long braided rugs of bright colors on the floor. 
The lounge and chairs were covered with red cot- 
ton cloth. The table was a box, with a spread of 
crazy-quilt ” design made from silk and woollen 
pieces ; and the simple pictures on the walls had 
frames either of straw, acorns, or leather-work. 
The only things that had been bought seemed to 
be a little melodeon in one corner, a lamp which 
had a home-made shade of green paper, and a 
sheet-iron stove. 

Their hostess soon returned to the cheerful 
little room with a basket in her hand. 

170 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 


Here are your eggs/’ she said. “ And now I 
want to give this little boy something to show 
how much I appreciate his saving our old gan- 
der.” 

Oh no !” Eddie cried, greatly distressed. 

Please don’t ! I’d feel dreadful to have you 
pay me for doing that little thing.” 

But I want to,” she urged. Hot to pay 
you, of course — I couldn’t do that — ^but to give 
you some little thing just for my own sake. You 
know how you’d feel,” she continued, sitting 
down by the child and smiling on him. Sup- 
pose I had saved a pet of yours from being killed, 
wouldn’t you be sorry if I wouldn’t take for a 
keepsake something you had made ?” 

Eddie smiled understandingly, and she went 
on : Well, that’s the way with me. How, I wish 
you’d choose something in this parlor that you 
like. Of course, I mean something you could 
carry home. I made all the pictures and the 
frames and the rugs and tidies and lamp-mat, 
and I would just love to give you any one of 
them.” 

She had convinced him that she would be hurt 
if he still refused, and it had occurred to him 
that here was his chance to get a nice birthday 
present. 

There was a small crocheted tidy on a chair 
near them. Its design was two little birds facing 
177 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


each other, with their bills touching. Eddie 
pointed to this, and said, shyly: 

Well, if you want me to, I will ; I like that 
ever so much.’’ 

The kissing birds ? Well, I’m glad you do,” 
she said, heartily, beginning to unpin the tidy. 

I think it’s pretty, too. It’s my favorite pat- 
tern.” 

I can take another if you’d rather keep that,” 
said Eddie. 

Bless your heart, dear, that’s the easiest kind 
to do. I can make another in two evenings, and 
I love to do it. I want you should have this.” 

She folded it neatly, wrapped it in brown pa- 
per, and slipped the package into his pocket as 
she spoke. 

You’re two nice little hoys. I’m glad you 
came,” she said, kissing them when they were 
ready to go ; and I hope our old gander will 
have sense enough not to hang himself until you 
come again.” 

Archie started ahead with the basket of eggs, 
but Eddie lingered a moment to say: 

You wouldn’t care, would you, if I gave this 
tidy to Uncle Weary for his birthday?” 

Why, no, dear. I’d love to have you give 
it to him. It will make a nice present.” 

She kissed him again, and called the children 
to go to the spring-house to get their visitors a 
178 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 

drink of cold buttermilk before they started on 
the journey home. Eddie was very fond of but- 
termilk, and drank a large mugful from a jar 
among some stones by the spring. Archie liked 
water best, and after quenching his thirst they 
started, for the village. 

What ’ll Uncle Weary do with a tidy ?” ask- 
ed Archie, as soon as they were alone. 

Don’t you think it will look nice on his bar- 
rel-chair?” asked Eddie. 

Oh yes, I forgot that. Of course, it will 
be pretty there. 1 know he’ll like it.” 

“ I hope so,” said Eddie. I believe it ’ll be 
better than the necktie. It will last longer.” 

There was a great consultation over Archie’s 
gift when they reached the store. Every knife 
in the show-case was looked at carefully and its 
merits discussed. Mr. Wilson, the storekeeper, 
was very kind, and when Archie wished very 
much to buy one of his best knives, with four 
blades and cork-screw, he put the price down to 
fifty cents. Eddie loaned him twenty-five, so he 
was able to make his purchase, and went home 
much elated. 

They put all of the gifts in Eddie’s knapsack 
and took it to bed with them, for fear Uncle 
Weary might happen to look into it before morn- 
ing, and they fell asleep in the midst of a dis- 
cussion as to how they should present the gifts. 

179 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


They were wide awake earlier than usual the 
next day, and prepared breakfast before Uncle 
Weary was stirring. When he appeared they led 
him to his seat at the table and began beating 
his back and counting the strokes. 

Hullo ! what does this mean said the young 
man, much surprised. Oh, I see, you’ve re- 
membered my birthday. I’d forgotten it entire- 
ly. Pound away, but I’m afraid you’ll be tired 
out before you count twenty-nine.” 

He was very much pleased with his gifts. I 
haven’t had such a good knife for a long time,” 
he said, examining the blades carefully. You 
knew just what I wanted, didn’t you, Archie? 
And where did you get this fandangle, and what 
do you do with it?” he asked, holding up the 
tidy by two corners. 

Why, that’s to put on the back of the chair 
you made out of the barrel.” Eddie hastened to 
tell him. 

To be sure. That ’ll fix us out as fine as a 
fiddle. I like it first-rate. You couldn’t have 
suited me any better.” 

The children were very happy to have their 
little presents so much appreciated, but they 
were somewhat surprised at the way Uncle Weary 
received Wag’s gift. He laughed, as they thought 
he would, but he also seemed to like it. 

To think he actually spent his money for 
180 


ANOTHER CELEBRATION 

me! Well, well! I must try to deserve that,” 
lie said, putting the whetstone away with his 
other gifts. 

When the farmer’s hoy appeared, a little later, 
with a red face and sheepish manner. Uncle 
Weary said : Hullo, Wag ! That’s a good whet- 
stone. I like it. When I go to farming, that ’ll 
come into play first-rate.” 

Wag said nothing, hut he showed all his teeth 
in a wide smile, and the young man knew he was 
very happy as he began his morning’s work. 


CHAPTEK XVII 


A CONTEIBUTIOIT TO SCIETsTCE 

T he little fawn seemed to be better. Its 
broken leg was bound in splints, and it was 
fastened by ropes and straps into a sort of stall 
contrived for it among the trees in such a way 
that it was obliged to keep perfectly quiet, and 
could move nothing but its head. It was still 
very timid, and trembled when it heard Jip bark, 
but it drank milk and ate lettuce from Uncle 
Weary’s hand, and allowed the boys to stroke its 
delicate nose without being frightened. 

Eddie named it Lillian,” after Archie’s 
mother ; and, of all their pets, the boys cared for 
it the most. 

You’d better sell it to Wag,” said Uncle 
Weary, when Eddie told of the farmer boy’s 
oft’er. We shall be leaving here by-and-by, 
and we can’t take it with us. You mustn’t get 
to thinking too much of it, or you will feel bad 
when you have to leave it.” 

Accordingly, a bargain was made that Wag was 
182 


A CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE 


to take the fawn for twenty-five cents when the 
children were obliged to leave camp, provided 
it was in a condition to sell to the boy at the 
hotel. 

The kitten was improving, too, with plenty of 
good food and no fear of enemies. Its eyes soon 
became well, its fur sleek, and it was as playful 
as kittens usually are. They were all very fond 
of it, and named it Minnie,” after Eddie’s 
cousin. 

Their other invalid, the turtle, was kept in a 
bed of mud. He still showed signs of life, but 
was very torpid. Uncle Weary said if he ever 
got well it would be by leaving him alone. With 
these ailing pets to care for, it was rather dif- 
ficult for them all to leave the clearing at the 
same time. But, since they had Wag, the boys 
occasionally made trips away with Uncle Weary. 

Once they went over the mountain with him 
to see a horse which was disabled with rheu- 
matism, and on another day they visited a farm 
in a valley ten miles away, where the young man 
had been called to doctor some cows, and, as pay- 
ment for his services, had brought home a little 
squealing pig to add to their menagerie. They 
never knew when they were to make these ex- 
cursions until it was time to start, and it was 
part of the fun to guess where they were going. 

It was some time after the birthday when Un- 
183 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


cle Weary came in the morning to the berry-patch 
and said, “ Well, boys, what do you say to a 
tramp with me to-day V’ 

There was only one answer to that question, 
and that was given with a joyous whoop. 

Well, then, get out your knapsacks, put on 
your shoes, and take your jackets.” 

Are we to carry a lunch ?” asked Archie. 

No, we’ll get back in time for that. Some- 
body will have to stay at home to look after things 
and cook dinner. You can do that, can’t you. 
Wag?” 

The big boy was very much pleased to be given 
this responsibility, and agreed to take good care 
of everything while they were gone, and to cook 
them a fine dinner. The children were full of 
curiosity while they were making their prepara- 
tions, and could not imagine the kind of fun in 
store for them; and the mystery deepened when 
the young man came out of the Den dressed in an 
old coat and overalls and carrying a small fire- 
balloon left over from the Tourth. 

Are you going to send that up in daytime. 
Uncle Weary ?” asked Archie. 

You’ll see. You know there’s a great fash- 
ion for air-ships nowadays. Well, who knows? 
Perhaps we’ll take a sail above the trees in this 
one. You don’t know how much of a wizard I 
am.” 


184 


A CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE 


They all laughed, though Eddie half believed 
Uncle Weary could fly, if he wanted to. 

I suppose you want to know where we’re 
going,” said Uncle Weary, as they walked along. 

Yes, I do,” said Archie. 

Well, we are going to make a ^ Contribution 
to Science.’ ” 

I don’t know what that means,” said the boy, 
looking puzzled. 

I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” 

It’s a surprise,” said Eddie, smiling. 

We’ll get our names in the newspapers if 
our contribution comes out all right. That 
would surprise you, wouldn’t it ?” laughed Uncle 
Weary. 

Their walk through the woods took them in a 
new direction. They went down the mountain- 
side some distance, crossed a ravine, and then 
started up a zigzag path where the slope was 
very steep. They scrambled over rocks and fall- 
en trees, crossed running brooks, and pushed 
through thickets, and at last, in perhaps half an 
hour, they came suddenly into an open space 
high up, where they could see a long distance 
away. They were tired, and sat on the grass to 
rest in the fresh air and bright sunshine, and 
Uncle Weary said, as they looked at the valley 
below : You never saw anything better than 

that in Switzerland, did you, Archie?” 

13 185 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


I never saw anything half so pretty any- 
where/’ answered the boy. 

Oh, ain’t it lovely ! There’s no place in the 
world like our dear old Vermont, is there ?” burst 
from the enthusiastic Eddie. 

It was a beautiful view. The long range of 
the Green Mountains on the opposite side of the 
valley looked blue and hazy in the distance. The 
soft, blue sky, the different shades of green in 
the meadows and fields, the bright glimpses of a 
crooked river, the red and yellow and brown 
farm-houses, and rich masses of foliage in the 
foreground made color and form for as lovely 
a landscape as could be found anywhere. They 
all appreciated it in their different ways, and 
then, as they were rested and their time was 
short, they soon followed Uncle Weary into the 
woods again. There was no underbrush to strug- 
gle through now, and before long they came to 
a grove of white-birch trees. They were young 
and slender, with their limbs and foliage high, 
and seemed very much alive as they stood, lithe 
and graceful, their heads nodding in the breeze, 
with the sunlight falling in patches on their 
glistening trunks. 

They look like girls dressed in white, all 
ready to march in the Eourth-of-July procession,” 
said Uncle Weary. 

Yes, they do,” echoed Eddie, and they Have 
186 


A CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE 


green wreaths on their heads, like the ones girls 
always wear on the Fourth.’^ 

We must ask them for some of their white 
dresses when we come hack,” said the yonng man, 
if yonr knapsacks are not filled up by that 
time.” 

Eddie was sure he would have room to carry 
home a quantity of bark. He had never been 
able to get all he wanted, and there was nothing 
he enjoyed more on rainy days in the cave than 
making all sorts of trinkets and toys of the soft, 
velvety material. 

Well, here we are,” said Uncle Weary, as 
they came in a moment more to an opening in 
the side of the mountain near a large rock. 

Why, that’s a big woodchuck’s hole, ain’t 
it ?” asked Eddie. 

It’s the entrance to an underground cave, 
and there’s where we get our ^ Contribution to 
Science,’ ” said Uncle Weary — that is, if you 
want to go in.” 

There was nothing Archie could think of that 
would delight him so much as this. He had 
heard a great deal about dark caves, and had 
longed to visit one. But Eddie was not so en- 
thusiastic. He dreaded going down into that 
dark hole, where there might be bears or wolves, 
and yet he trusted Uncle Weary so completely 
that he was not really afraid, and made up his 
187 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


mind not to spoil the fun by holding back. So he 
smiled, and took the candle and matches that were 
given him, and followed the others. 

The young man took the lead, going feet first 
into the opening, which was not more than a 
yard wide. Archie followed, and then Eddie. 
They slipped down an inclined plane of soft 
earth for some distance, and found themselves 
in a dark, cool, moist place, with only the faint 
sound of running water to break the silence. 
They lighted their candles now, and by their 
light could see rocky, rough walls above and 
around them, and a little, pebbly brook running 
crookedly through the fioor of the cave. There 
were sharp stones sticking up everywhere in their 
path, and the boys saw now why they were told 
to wear their shoes. 

After creeping through a winding passage, 
perhaps three feet high, they came to a larger 
space where they could stand upright, but where 
a big bowlder seemed to block their way. Uncle 
Weary scrambled to the top of this and helped 
the boys up, and afterward they slipped down to 
the floor and crawled up an inclined rock, at the 
top of which they found another hole just big 
enough for a man to enter on all-fours. 

By much tugging and pushing they managed 
to get through, and found themselves in a cir- 
cular room about twelve feet across, with several 
188 


A CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE 


flat stones lying about which served very well for 
seats. They sat down on these to rest for a mo- 
ment, when Eddie said he felt a draught, and 
Archie asked : Where does all this air come 
from? We are a long way from the entrance, 
and we are way underground, arenT we?’’ 

Then Uncle Weary told them that the whole 
mountain was made of rocks which had been 
eaten into by water, forming many caves, some 
of them larger than this one; and that the air 
they felt came through cracks and crevices all 
around, and was rushing past to escape through 
the big chimney above them. The children look- 
ed up, but saw only black space. There seemed 
to be no roof at all. 

How high is the chimney. Uncle Weary ?” 
asked Archie. 

Uobody knows yet. The cave has not been 
discovered long, and nobody has thought of a 
way to measure its height. That’s what we’re 
here for now. We’ll make the fire-balloon tell 
us, and that will be our ^ Contribution to Sci- 
ence.’ ” 

The boys were still mystified, but they said 
nothing and helped to light the little balloon 
and hold out its sides until the heated air 
was ready to take it upward. At last it rose 
quickly, the young man paying out the string 
that was fastened to it. Put out your lights,” 
189 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


he said, but be sure you know where to find 
your matches.” 

The children obeyed quickly, and then watched 
the bright spot of color as it mounted higher and 
higher and showed the sides of the deep well, or 
chimney, at the bottom of which they were sit- 
ting. The little red balloon went up a great dis- 
tance. They could see distinctly the smooth roof 
against which it rested for a moment, and then 
the light went out and the balloon came fiuttering 
down. 

The candles were lighted now, and Uncle 
Weary said : Well, that was a great success, 
wasn’t it ?” 

But I don’t see how the balloon measured 
the height,” said Eddie. 

You’re not so much of a Yankee as I thought 
you were. You ought to have guessed by this 
time,” said Uncle Weary, showing them a knot 
in the twine he held in his hand. I tied that 
when the balloon reached the top. Uow I’ll 
measure the string, and the question will be an- 
swered.” By his two-foot rule the string was 
one hundred and five feet long. The chimney 
was much higher than any one had imagined. 

Eddie was not sorry to get out to daylight as 
soon as possible. He could not understand why 
people wanted to burrow underground when they 
could stay in the beautiful sunshine and free air. 

190 




A CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE 


He found something to interest him, however, 
before he reached the surface. As they crawled 
and crept back, they noticed on the sides of the 
cave several smooth spots which seemed like fresh 
plaster. They could make dents in it with their 
fingers, and they found names and dates written 
in the soft surface with some sharp instrument. 

Why, it’s putty,” said Eddie, taking a piece 
and moulding it in his hands. 

“ It’s just like the modelling-clay we used in 
kindergarten !” exclaimed Archie. 

That’s what it is,” said Uncle Weary, also 
trying a piece. You’d better take a lump of 
it to fool with on the next rainy day.” 

Archie took all he could carry in his knapsack, 
and Eddie filled his with long strips of hirch- 
hark as soon as they came to the trees. 

When they reached home they found Wag had 
cooked a nice dinner, and Jip was beside himself 
with joy when they appeared. That was an 
awful nice conterbution. Uncle Weary,” said 
Eddie; ^^hut I would rather have our dear old 
Rattlesnake Den than all the underground caves 
in the world.” 

Archie was silent, hut he liked to remember 
how he had sat on that stone way down in the 
earth, and seen the little burning globe go up, up, 
up, and disappear like a fairy’s lamp. Indeed, 
he felt as though he had been in fairy-land, where 
191 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


the goblins and sprites lived, with all the little 
folks about whom his mother had read to him. 
He had heard them whispering and snickering, 
and felt their tiny fingers touching him during 
that moment of darkness when the light of the 
little balloon went out. Alice in Wonderland 
would never seem unreal to him again. 


CHAPTEE XVIII 


THE woodchuck’s HOLE 

W HILE they were at breakfast the next 
morning a messenger came to the clear- 
ing with a telegram. Uncle Weary read it, and 
turning to the boys, told them he must go to a 
town some distance away, and would have to be 
gone, perhaps several days. 

I can’t take you with me this time,” he said, 
but I’ll let you go to the Stones’ to stay till I 
get back. They’ve asked you to visit them, you 
know, and now’s a good time. The berries are al- 
most gone, and you will have a chance to fish for 
pickerel.” 

May Wag go with us ?” asked Archie. 

He’ll have to look after things while I’m 
away,” said Uncle Weary. You can get your 
friend Thad Stires to stay with you, can’t you. 
Wag?” 

Yes,” said the boy, ‘‘ he’ll be glad of the 
chance,” and then, following Uncle Weary into 
the cave, stood by him while he was packing his 
193 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


satchel, and added, rather shjly : “ You don’t 
care if Thad and me goes huntin’ for the counter- 
feiters’ cave, do ye ?” 

What makes you think there’s one ’round 
here ?” asked the young man. 

Folks says there’s a gang of counterfeiters 
in this county, and like as not their hidin’ in 
some cave in this mountain. There’s lots on ’em 
that nobody ’round here has been into yet. We 
seen smoke cornin’ out of a crack in the ground 
one day last fall, and we think that came from 
their fire, and if we hunt ’round perhaps we can 
find their cave.” 

Uncle Weary laughed. I guess all boys are 
pretty much alike,” he said. I looked for a 
counterfeiters’ cave, too, when I was your age. 
If you go, you mustn’t neglect the chores.” 

Wag promised to be faithful, and began to help 
the boys to prepare for their trip. 

They were told to pack their knapsacks with a 
luncheon and a hen which insisted on setting. 
Mrs. Stone always wanted setting hens, and here 
was a good chance to send her one. 

You’d better eat your luncheon on the way,” 
said Uncle Weary. There’s no hurry about 
your getting there, and Mrs. Stone may not like 
to have two hungry boys come in unexpectedly to 
dinner.” 

Wag cut some slices of bread and spread them 
194 


THE WOODCHUCK'S HOLE 


thickly with butter, and brought from the cave 
half a dozen doughnuts and a piece of cheese. 
These were made into a parcel and put in 
Archie’s bag. The hen was a small one, hut she 
made a great noise when she was caught, and 
it was some time after her feet were tied and 
she was tucked into Eddie’s hag before she stop- 
ped squawking. 

Eddie was rather dismal about leaving Uncle 
Weary and the Den, even for a short time, and 
although Archie looked forward with pleasure 
to the pickerel-fishing, he thought, on the whole, 
there would he more fun in staying at home, and 
he felt sure he should miss Wag. So the boys 
were rather sober when they said good-bye and 
started with Jip for the Stones’ farm. 

They knew the way very well, and followed a 
path through the dim, cool woods for about an 
hour, and then came into a clearing on the moun- 
tain - side, where some sheep were nibbling the 
short grass which grew between the stones. The 
sun was shining brightly, and the sudden glare 
of light made them blink. Below them lay the 
lovely valley, which they always enjoyed looking 
at. A gentle breeze touched their faces, and the 
path up the mountain looked very attractive. So, 
under the influence of these bright surroundings, 
their spirits ’ rose, and they began to sing and 
shout and race with Jip in their usual fashion. 

195 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Let’s go up to the Hopper to eat our lunch/’ 
proposed Archie. 

All right,” said Eddie. Uncle Weary told 
us we needn’t hurry. We don’t have to get to 
Mr. Stone’s for a long time.” 

The little dog always shared their moods, and 
seeing now that cheerfulness was the order of the 
day, ran barking ahead of his companions up the 
steep path. The slope was wooded again higher 
up, though the trees were smaller and more scat- 
tered than at the clearing. 

The boys looked for a trap hidden in some 
weeds, but, finding nothing in it, they gathered 
some birch-bark, which Eddie stowed away in his 
bag, together with some acorns the squirrels had 
left. They were hungry now, and walked round 
the edge of the Hopper to find a good place to eat 
their luncheon in. 

The Hopper was a deep hole in the ground, 
which no one could account for. It measured 
more than a hundred feet across and thirty feet 
in depth. It was perfectly round, and looked as 
though it might be the howl of a huge giant 
which had been pressed firmly into the ground. 
The sides of this howl were almost perpendicular, 
and were covered with grass and shrubs, and 
there were several large trees growing in the bot- 
tom, showing that the Hopper had been there a 
long time. 


196 


THE WOODCHUCK^S HOLE 

The boys had never ventured to go down into 
the hole, although they had never been forbidden 
to do so, and they knew of several hoys no older 
than themselves who had succeeded in scrambling 
out after sliding in. It had been a difficult and 
tiresome task, and was the subject of much brag- 
ging afterward. 

Archie proposed now that they should eat 
their luncheon in the bottom of the Hopper. He 
had always wanted to explore the place, and to- 
day seemed an excellent opportunity. He was 
anxious to show those boastful boys that he could 
do what they had done. But Eddie objected 
strongly, insisting that there might be danger in 
the venture, and it would be sure to take too 
much time. 

While they were arguing about it, the question 
was settled for them by Jip, who plunged down 
the side of the Hopper in pursuit of a woodchuck. 
Eddie tried to catch the dog as he rushed by, but 
in doing so lost his balance, and before he knew 
what was happening rolled over and over and 
finally landed with Jip on the soft grass on tho 
fioor of the hole. Archie had tried to catch Eddie 
when he saw him going, but only succeeded in 
pushing him in, and followed headlong himself. 

All three were bruised and breathless but not 
seriously hurt, and Jip lost no time in chasing 
the woodchuck into a clump of bushes. The boys 
197 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


jumped up and followed the dog, almost as much 
excited as he. They found him harking and dig- 
ging with his paws at the edge of a stone which 
was half hidden hj an alder-hush. 

Let’s lift the stone up,” said Eddie. The 
woodchuck’s hole is under it, I guess.” 

He found a strong stick, which he used for a 
lever, and, tugging with all their might, they 
were able to lift the stone, although it was almost 
too large and heavy for their strength. 

As Eddie had guessed, they found a cavity be- 
neath it. There,” said the hoy, “ What did I 
tell you? That’s his hole. Go in and get him, 
dip !” 

With an excited yelp the dog obeyed, hut to 
the surprise of all three he went through a mass 
of decayed leaves and loose stones, almost dis- 
appearing. 

Why, I never saw a woodchuck’s hole so 
deep,” said Eddie, catching dip’s foot, which was 
all that was in sight, and trying to pull him out. 
dip’s struggles drew the hoy into the hole, when 
to his dismay he began to sink out of sight. He 
screamed for help, and Archie reached for his 
hand ; hut in an instant, he never knew how, he 
was on the top of his companion and slipping and 
sliding down an inclined plane — his weight help- 
ing to push the others along. There was nothing 
to hold on by, and no time to think of doing so. 


THE WOODCHUCK^S HOLE 


as they went on and on — a long distance it seemed 
to the boys, though it was not really more than 
twenty feet. 

The adventures of Alice in Wonderland flash- 
ed through Archie’s mind now, and he thought 
he and Eddie were going through the earth, just 
as the little girl had done in the story, and won- 
dered when he should see the rabbit. 

It was probably only a few seconds after they 
had entered this smooth flue, or crevice, in the 
rock before they felt themselves tumbling head 
over heels through space and landed in a heap 
on a soft bed of sand, stunned by the fall and 
choked by the dust which clung to the sides of the 
crevice. 

Eddie was the first to find his voice, and be- 
gan to scream with terror and pain. Jip joined 
in with a chorus of yelps, but Archie was silent, 
though his heart thumped painfully. It was so 
dark and so still about them ! Where were they ? 
A long distance underground, in some sort of 
cave. That much was certain. His sharp ears 
detected a faint sound near them. He reached 
out for Jip and held his mouth shut, while he 
called out to his companion : Stop crying, Ed- 
die, and listen. What’s that noise ?” 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE COUHTEEFEITEES’ DEH 

E DDIE’S cries stopped at once, and the death- 
ly stillness was broken only by the gentle 
trickle of water quite near them. This added to 
the poor little boy’s fright, and he screamed : 

Oh, we’ll be drowned if we stir ! What shall 
we do ?” 

Perhaps if we make as much noise as we can 
some one will hear us,” said Archie. 

Eddie agreed, and they began hallooing and 
shouting, and Jip barked and whined by turns. 
It was a terrible din, for the echoes above and 
around them multiplied the sounds and made 
them almost deafening. 

After awhile they became hoarse and stopped 
for breath, and Archie said: It’s no use. Xo- 
body comes by the Hopper, and if they did they 
couldn’t hear us, I’m afraid.” 

Oh, it’s so dark !” moaned Eddie. We’ll 
never get out of this dreadful place ! We’ll die 
here!” 


200 


THE COUNTERFEITER'S DEN 


N"©, we won’t/’ said Archie, stoutly. I 
jnst know we’ll think of some way to get out 
after awhile. Anyway, Uncle Weary will look 
for us.” 

But he’s gone away, you know,” said Eddie. 

Well, we’ve got enough to eat to keep us alive 
for several days,” said Archie. 

This place isn’t anywhere near the road to 
Stone’s farm,” argued Eddie. Besides, Uncle 
Weary won’t be home, perhaps for a week.” 

I think he’ll be back sooner,” said Archie, 
hopefully, and then he’ll get a lot of people 
to hunt for us. We’ll be the lost children. My 
mother read me a story of two boys that were 
lost in the woods, and a great many people looked 
for them all night, and at last they found them 
in a sheep-pen all curled up with the sheep.” 

But there was some chance for them ; they 
were on top of the earth,” said Eddie, and we 
are buried way down in the ground where no- 
body can hear or see us again.” 

His pitiful cries began again, and dip crept 
into his arms, whimpering. 

If we could only see where we are,” said 
Archie. I wish we had some matches.” 

Oh, I think I’ve got some in my pocket,” 
cried Eddie, joyfully. I put ’em there to have 
’em handy when I light the fires. Yes, here’s a 
whole box of ’em.” 


14 


201 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Oh, light one, quick cried Archie. 

Eddie scratched a match on his trousers, but 
he was too nervous, and it broke off in his fingers 
and the fiame went out. He was more careful 
on the second trial, and they were able to look 
about them by this dim, little light. They found 
they were in a room which seemed large, with 
irregular, rocky walls and a fiat, sandy floor. 
They saw at a glance that the place had been 
occupied. Hot far from them were two small, 
rough benches, on which lay a roll of blankets and 
several old garments. 

Oh, there’s a lantern !” shrieked Eddie. Get 
it, quick, x\rchie !” 

It was one of the old-fashioned sort, such as 
farmers use, with a candle in it. Eddie’s nimble 
fingers soon opened its door and applied a freshly 
lighted match to the wick. 

It was such an immense relief to be able to 
see once more that the little fellows danced about 
and shouted for joy and forgot for a moment all 
other troubles. 

Jip ran over to a wooden chopping-bowl which 
had been sunk in a clay bank near the wall and 
began lapping the water which trickled into it, 
making the sound which had frightened Eddie. 

“ Why, it’s a spring of nice, cold water !” ex- 
claimed the boy, lying down on his stomach to 
share a drink with the little dog. 

202 


THE COUNTERFEITER'S DEN 


Archie found a rusty tin cup on the bench, and 
drank, too. Then they washed their faces and 
hands and felt much refreshed. 

They had been so frightened by their fall into 
the cave that they did not realize at first how 
much they were scratched and bruised by the 
rough flue during their passage through it. But 
now they began to suffer a good deal of pain, and 
found their faces and hands and feet had a num- 
ber of cuts, while several bumps began to appear 
on their heads. 

Their hurts were a blessing to the little fellows, 
for they gave them something to think of besides 
the terror of their situation. They used the cold 
water freely to bathe their scratches, and as they 
had fortunately escaped broken bones and sprains, 
in a short time they felt much easier, and sud- 
denly realized that they were very hungry. 

Eddie took out the lunch and laid it on one of 
the benches. There was only enough for two 
hungry boys for one meal. Archie began divid- 
ing it. “ We must save half of it for to-morrow,” 
he said. That’s the way they do when they’re 
shipwrecked and they don’t know how long they’ll 
have to be on the water.” 

Eddie saw the wisdom of this precaution, and 
wrapped four slices of bread and butter and two 
doughnuts in a piece of paper and put the pack- 
age safely away in his knapsack, to make sure he 
203 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


would not be tempted to eat their future supply, 
as he might if it were in sight. 

They felt much better after the meal — though 
far from satisfied — and began to look around 
them. The light from their one little candle did 
not go far, and the place seemed full of gloom 
and mystery. They could not judge at all of its 
size or shape from the spot where they stood. 

Their first thought now was to look for some 
opening through which they might escape. 
Archie carried the lantern and led the way as 
they commenced a circuit of the walls. They 
had not gone far before they found that the lit- 
tle white spots they had taken for bits of lime- 
stone were really candles — a dozen or more — 
fastened on pieces of tin which were stuck into 
crevices. They were partly burned, so it was 
easy to light them, and then the boys could see 
about them quite plainly. 

The room was irregular in shape, in some 
places much wider than in others, with several 
cavities in the rock sides, which Eddie called 
cubby-holes.” One of these, on a level with the 
floor, was the size and shape of an old-fashioned 
fireplace. It had been used as one, as the black- 
ened sides and a heap of ashes showed. 

There was a draught of air inward here, and 
the boys concluded that the smoke was carried 
to the surface through some crack or crevice in 
204 


THE COUNTERFEITER'S DEN 


the stone, perhaps like the one they had fallen 
through. There was a small pile of wood near 
the fireplace and several queer-looking pots and 
pans on the hearth. 

The little boys continued their rounds, and 
were soon convinced that there was no door or 
opening in the sides of the cave. They would 
have to manage to get out by way of the passage 
through which they had fallen. 

They were talking this over when a whirring 
noise began overhead, and several black objects 
rushed past them. Archie was so frightened that 
he sat down in the sand and, with wide-open eyes, 
began screaming. 

Don't be scared !" said Eddie. It's only 
bats. They're always in caves. They won't hurt 
us. We can kill 'em if they bother us any more." 

As soon as Eddie spoke, Archie was very much 
ashamed of his cowardice. He jumped up, say- 
ing; They just scared me some at first, they 
came so suddenly. But I'm not afraid of hats. 
How can we kill 'em ?" 

They've gone hack to their hiding-places, I 
guess," said Eddie, looking above them. 

I wonder how high the roof of the cave is ?" 
said Archie. It must go way up in some places, 
for we can't see it at all." 

It must he like the one we went into with 
Uncle Weary," said Eddie. You know he said 
205 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


there were lots of caves like that in the mountain. 
But I don’t understand how we got into this one.” 

Isn’t this the place ?” said Archie, looking up 
into what seemed a dark opening about six feet 
from the floor at the top of a cubby-hole.” 

I believe it is !” said Eddie, excitedly. 

Look at those dents in the sand where we fell. 
How, if I only had a hammer and nails I could 
make a ladder of those sticks of wood, and we 
could get up to the hole and crawl out.” 

Let’s look around. Perhaps we can find 
some,” exclaimed Archie, hopefully. 

They searched through a heap of rubbish con- 
taining tin cans, old clothes, and all sorts of 
worthless trash, but there was nothing that could 
be used for m hammer, and no nails. In one of 
the alcoves near the fireplace were two chests, but 
both of them were securely locked, and no key 
could be found. 

Eddie was entirely discouraged at this and be- 
gan to cry. We’ll never get out! We’ll have 
to stay here till we starve and die !” he sobbed. 

I’m not going to give up yet,” said Archie. 

Folks have been here and brought all these 
things. Perhaps they’ll come again. They may 
be here any minute.” 

How could they get in ?” asked Eddie. 

They’d have to drop down from the roof or 
tumble through a hole as we did.” 

206 


THE COUNTERFEITER'S DEN 


We don’t know,” said Archie. Perhaps 
they have a rope-ladder or something.” 

I think I’d be afraid to see any one coming 
that way,” said Eddie, shivering. 

What a coward you are !” exclaimed Archie. 

I’d he glad to see anybody, even if it was 
pirates, that would help us out of this place.” 

Well, I’m hungry and cold,” said Eddie, 
dolefully. 

Let’s play something to make us warm,” said 
Archie, turning a somersault on the floor. 

Eddie followed his example, iand afterward 
they raced about playing tag and making Jip 
hunt for them in the “ cubby-holes.” They were 
soon warm enough ydth this exercise, and went 
to the spring to drink. 

The clay of the hank in which the wooden 
bowl was imbedded was damp and smooth to the 
touch. Eddie picked up a piece of it and began 
to press and mould it with his fingers. Why, 
it’s that kindergarten clay!” exclaimed Eddie. 

Yes, it is,” said Archie, eagerly, as he rolled 
a lump of the clay into a hall. How we can 
have fun,” he went on. I’ll show you how to 
do a lot of things.” 

They played with the fascinating material for 
more than an hour. Archie’s task as teacher was 
soon over, for Eddie learned quickly, and in a 
short time could do better work than his com- 
207 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


panion. They made heads of dogs and horses 
and images of men and boys with arms and legs 
in various attitudes. They manufactured minia- 
ture dishes and cooking utensils, and played with 
the clay in all sorts of ways, when they suddenly 
became aware that they were again cold and 
hungry, and, in addition to these discomforts, they 
had made their clothing wet by frequently wash- 
ing their sticky hands in the tiny stream which 
carried the water from the bowl into a crack in 
the floor, which was rocky in this spot. 

Let’s have a Are,” said Archie. 

Of course. Why haven’t we thought of that 
before ?” returned Eddie, running to the rubbish 
heap. He found there some bits of newspapers 
and a pine board, which he split into kindlings 
with his jack-knife, and had a cheerful flame 
blazing when Archie brought some sticks of dry 
maple wood to add to the Are. The draught 
seemed excellent, for the smoke went straight up 
and disappeared as through an ordinary chimney. 

Oh, how good it seems !” said Eddie, holding 
out his cold, red hands to the flame. I believe 
I’d rather be hungry than cold.” 

Archie agreed on this point, and they both felt 
a greater sense of comfort than they had known 
since their misfortune as they sat on the floor and 
warmed their chilled bodies and dried their damp 
clothes. 


208 


CHAPTEK XX 


JIP FIISTBS A SUPPER 

matter with Jip?’’ asked 
f f Archie, after awhile. 

The dog was harking and growling by turns, 
and seemed to be tugging at some object near one 
of the benches. Eddie ran to see what was the 
matter, and came back carrying Archie’s knap- 
sack. 

He was trying to get at the chicken,” he said. 
He’s smarter than we are, for we forgot all 
about it.” 

Oh, isn’t that good !” said Archie, laughing, 
as he took the hen from the bag. Xow we can 
have a good supper, if we only can find something 
to cook it in.” 

We can roast it in the ashes, if we can’t do 
anything better,” said Eddie. But perhaps we 
can find a pot or something that will do.” 

He wrung the chicken’s neck while he was talk- 
ing, and Archie picked off its feathers and 
cut it up with his sharp knife, giving dip the 
209 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


head and other stray hits, while Eddie searched 
for a kettle that would hold water. There were 
several cracked iron pots and pans lying on the 
rubbish-heap, and one small one, more rusty than 
the others, which he thought might be sound. 
He scoured it well with ashes and sand, afterward 
washing it at the spring. He then put in it about 
two quarts of water, and found to his delight that 
it did not leak. As soon as the water was boiling 
the chicken was put into it, and the three sat 
down to wait. Eddie now began to feel more 
at home and free from foreboding. The fire and 
the steaming pot gave him a sense of homi- 
ness.” He somehow felt that, if he could cook 
and have Jip by his side enjoying the warmth of 
the crackling blaze, there must be hope for them. 
Besides, Archie’s steady coolness and cheerful- 
ness made him sure that some way for their de- 
liverance would be thought of. A girl cousin 
had once taught him to crochet little mats. He 
was very fond of doing this when he was sure he 
would not be laughed at, and always carried a 
crochet-needle and ball of twine in his pocket. 
He took them out now and began to shape a lit- 
tle mat, almost forgetting his hunger in the pleas- 
ure of his occupation. 

Archie roamed about the cave, searching 
through the cubby - holes ” for new treasures, 
and looking over the heap of rubbish once more 
210 


JIP FINDS A SUPPER 

to see if he could find materials and tools for 
making a ladder. There were plenty of sticks, 
but all of them were of short lengths, and there 
was nothing in the shape of tools except an old 
pair of pincers. There was a coil of rusty wire, 
and Eddie said the pincers had been used to break 
off lengths of it. 

The chicken was now bubbling and boiling in 
the pot, filling the cave with an odor delicious to 
the hungry boys, and Eddie said : I wonder if 
our old hen isn’t most done. I wish I had a fork 
to try it.” 

Couldn’t you make one out of this wire 
suggested Archie. 

Perhaps so,” said Eddie; and, throwing down 
his crochet-work, he took up the pincers and broke 
off a short bit of wire. He then made the blunt 
end red-hot in the coals and hammered it to a 
point with a stone, using the iron clamp of a chest 
as an anvil. With this implement he stabbed 
the chicken, and, though the meat was still 
pretty tough, he thought they might begin eat- 
ing. He fished out a joint for himself and one 
for Archie, and Jip had the bones for his share. 
They agreed that they must keep the rest for the 
next meals. 

Eddie’s watch had been broken by his fall into 
the cave, but fortunately Archie’s was still going, 
and by this they found it was only four o’clock. 

211 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


They felt much better and stronger after their 
meal, and went to work heartily on their ladder. 
Eddie thought the short pieces might he spliced 
together by the wire, making sufficiently strong 
sides for the ladder. To make these sides long 
enough was their chief trouble, for it was easy, 
they thought, to fasten on the rounds. 

For an hour the brave little fellows toiled, and 
at last had made a clumsy ladder, which they 
leaned against the wall. But they tried in vain 
to climb it. It fell to pieces at every attempt, 
and at last they were obliged to give it up. Eddie 
was discouraged, and sat by the fire with tears 
streaming down his face. 

Don’t cry, Eddie,” said Archie. We can’t 
think of anything if you do that. Let’s play 
something for a while.” 

Well,” said Eddie, wiping his eyes and try- 
ing to be brave, too, “ what shall we do ? I wish 
we had a checker-board.” 

Can’t we make one ?” said Archie. 

I don’t know. Perhaps so,” said Eddie, in- 
terested at once. We’ll have to get a big, smooth 
board and mark it off in squares.” 

They found that the top of a soap-box would 
do for this purpose. Eddie used his knife to 
make the squares, and then heated the end of 
the iron stick they had used for a poker and 
scorched the alternate squares, making a very re- 
212 


JIP FINDS A SUPPER 


spectable checker-board. They tried little stones 
for the men,” but these were not flat enough, 
and Eddie suggested making them of clay and 
drying them before the fire. 

This idea was carried out very successfully by 
making up two shapes, one square and the other 
round, and at last they were ready. They sat on 
the sandy floor, with the soap-box between them, 
and played several games. Both of them seemed 
interested, and for a while they could imagine 
they were at home in Rattlesnake Den waiting 
for Uncle Weary to come in. 

But suddenly in the midst of a game Eddie 
burst into sobs, and, laying his head down on the 
box, cried as though his heart would break. I 
can’t help it, Archie,” he said, at last, de- 
spairingly. I just know we’ll never get out. 
We’ll die here. I shall never see Uncle Weary 
again.” 

Archie said nothing. His stout little spirit 
was sorely beset with fears and misgivings, but 
he came of a race of fighters, who never give up 
beaten. He took Jip in his arms and sat staring 
into the fire, trying steadily to think of some way 
to make the ladder. He felt sure there was no 
other way of escape. 

After awhile he noticed that Eddie’s sobs 
had stopped, and, looking round, saw that he was 
sleeping. His curly head was resting on his arm, 
213 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


and his pale, tear-stained face looked very sad 
and forlorn. 

Archie took one of the old blankets from the 
bench and threw it over the sleeping boy, tucking 
it around him as well as he could, and then, after 
putting some more wood on the fire, blew out all 
but one of the candles, rolled himself in another 
blanket, and laid down by his companion. Jip 
crawled in between them, as usual, and soon went 
to sleep, leaving Archie with wide-open eyes 
desperately fighting a sense of loneliness and 
desolation. He thought of his brave, devoted 
father, of his sweet, loving mother, and of their 
anxiety and distress if they could even dream of 
his situation. 

Then he began to think of the bats again, and 
shivered with horror at the idea that they might 
swoop down upon him as he lay there in the dim 
light. He pulled the blanket over his head for 
protection, and then, in the darkness and silence, 
allowed the tears to come at last. 

It was a great relief, and the poor little man 
cried himself to sleep. 


CHAPTEK XXI 


THE LADDER 

J IP was ill in the night. He wakened Eddie 
hj whining and moving about restlessly, and 
finally put his nose against the little hoy’s cheek. 

Archie wakened, too, and the boys soon saw 
that the dog had eaten something that disagreed 
with him. They made him lie on a blanket be- 
fore the fire, which they brightened with more 
wood, and Archie lighted several candles near 
them, dip seemed to feel better soon, so the boys 
rolled themselves in blankets and lay down again 
on their hard beds for another nap. 

They slept several hours after this, and then 
found, by Archie’s watch, that it was six o’clock. 
They jumped up, feeling entirely rested, and for 
an instant did not know where they were. But 
dip’s silent little form by the burned-out fire, and 
the light of one candle showing them the dark 
Avails, made them realize their situation. They 
hastened to light the fire and several candles, and 
then washed their faces and hands at the spring. 
215 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Getting breakfast was a very simple affair. 
Eddie fished several pieces of chicken from the 
pot, which they ate with the remaining bread and 
butter and a few acorns. There was enough 
chicken left for another meal, and, though they 
were still hungry, they put this carefully away, 
covering the pot with a board so that Jip could 
not get at it. 

But the little dog had no appetite, even for the 
nice breakfast of chicken-bones Eddie brought 
him. He lifted his head languidly when his name 
was called, and then laid it down again and closed 
his eyes. 

Eddie was alarmed. He took the dog in his 
arms and, putting his hand on his nose, called 
out to Archie : Oh, he’s awful sick ! His nose 
is warm, and that’s a sure sign. What shall we 
do for him ?” 

Archie was quite helpless and could not sug- 
gest anything, but Eddie immediately remember- 
ed that white lye was good for indigestion. He 
always had to take it when he was ill. He knew 
how to make it, as he had watched the process 
many times. He decided to try it for Jip. So 
he laid the little dog carefully in Archie’s arms 
and ran for the tin cup. He filled this half full 
of water, added a small handful of ashes, and set 
it over some coals to boil. Afterward it was left 
to cool and settle. 


216 


THE LADDER 


I’m afraid he won’t take it/’ said Archie, 
dubiously. 

We’ll have to put it in a bottle and pour it 
down his throat, I expect, just as Uncle Weary 
used to give medicine to Staggers,” said Eddie. 

There were plenty of beer bottles on the rub- 
bish-heap. Eddie selected one of the smallest 
of these and put into it several spoonfuls of the 
clear liquid. He knew that animals will not take 
medicine willingly, and expected to have a strug- 
gle with Jip to force the bottle into his mouth. 
But the poor little dog seemed to be more dead 
than alive, and the boys had no trouble in pour- 
ing the lye down his throat. 

They fancied he seemed to feel better soon 
after this. He lay on his blanket before the fire, 
and once or twice feebly wagged his tail to show 
the boys he appreciated what they had done for 
him. Eddie said he was sure Jip would be well 
now, and they left him sleeping while they search- 
ed the rubbish-heap again, in the hope of finding 
something they could use for a ladder. 

What’s this ?” said Archie, pulling out a 
blackened tin dish. 

It looks like a glue-pot,” said Eddie. 

Can’t we fasten the ladder together with 
glue ?” asked Archie. 

Ho, ’course not,” said Eddie. It wouldn’t 
hold together a minute. But let’s stop and play a 

IS 217 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


little. Perhaps we can make something with that 
paper we found yesterday.’^ 

He put some water on the dry pieces of glue 
and set the basin on some coals, and Archie 
brought him a bundle of variously colored tissue- 
paper which they had found in the pocket of one 
of the old coats. 

Let’s make a kite,” said Eddie, spreading 
the crumpled sheets smoothly on a bench. 

You can’t fly a kite in a cave,” protested 
Archie. 

I believe we could over there by the spring,” 
said Eddie. Don’t you remember what a strong 
draught there is there where the roof is so high ?” 

But we haven’t any string to fly a kite with,” 
objected Archie. 

Yes,” returned Eddie, eagerly. We can 
unravel my crochet-work and use the cord.” 

Archie agreed to this, and began unravelling 
the little mat, while Eddie made the frame for 
a small kite by gluing together some slender 
sticks in the form of a cross. He then covered 
the frame with some pink tissue-paper, using the 
glue to fasten it flrmly in place. He made a tail 
of string and twisted bits of paper, fastened the 
cord in the proper place, and it was ready. 

But Eddie was mistaken. The draught was 
not strong enough to take up the tiny kite. It 
constantly fell when they tried to send it upward. 

218 


THE LADDER 


I wish we could make a fire-balloon, like the 
one Uncle Weary sent up in the cave,” said 
Archie. 

I think I could make one,” said Eddie. 

There isnT much to ’em, you know.” 

But we have no paraffine to light it with,” 
said Archie. 

We could fix that easy enough,” said Eddie. 

We could melt a candle and soak a rag with 
the tallow. That would burn all right.” 

Eddie had a great deal of ingenuity and in- 
vention, and after awhile had brought together 
materials which would answer very well for his 
purpose. He cut off a piece of wire and bent it 
into a circle about four inches across. He then 
made a bag of white tissue-paper shaped like a 
large pear, joining the sides together with glue, 
and fastening the wire ring in the same way 
to the small, open mouth of the bag. He melt- 
ed a candle in the tin cup, and soaked an 
old, soft cotton rag in the grease, made it into 
a loose ball, and hung it with wires below the 
bag. 

He remembered very well how Uncle Weary 
had managed the fire-balloon when they measured 
the height of the other cave ; so he fastened the 
cord to his home-made affair, and, taking it to the 
spot where the draught seemed strongest, lighted 
his grease-ball, and he and Archie held the bal- 
219 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


loon very carefully directly over the flame. The 
heat and smoke filled the light paper bag after 
a moment or two, and as soon as they let it go 
it sailed away very quickly, and by its tiny light 
the boys saw a high vault above them, with rocky 
sides, very much like the one they had visited 
with Uncle Weary. 

What’s that asked Archie, pointing to the 

side. 

It seems to be a rope,” said Eddie. 

Yes, that’s what it is,” chimed in Archie, 
joyfully. ISTow we can get out. That’s where 
the folks come and go.” 

But how ?” queried Eddie. 

I don’t know yet ; but we’ll manage some 
way to get up to that rope, and I know we can 
climb by that to the opening where the folks that 
come here get in and out.” 

The little balloon was burned out now, leaving 
the vault above them as dark as before, and they 
could no longer see the rope. They made another 
balloon as quickly as possible, and sent it upward 
in great excitement and hopefulness. When it 
reached the level of the hanging rope, Eddie was 
able to hold it there long enough for them to see 
distinctly a black hole in the wall, perhaps three 
feet across, with the rope dangling from it. The 
boys were at once confirmed in their belief that 
this was an entrance to the cave, and if they 
220 


THE LADDER 

could only make a ladder their escape was cer- 
tain. 

Let^s try again,” said Archie. 

It’s no use,” answered Eddie. The wire 
won’t hold.” 

Can’t you make some nails out of the wire 
asked Archie. 

Ho,” said Eddie. But I’ll tell you what I 
can do. I wonder I didn’t think of that before. 
I can burn holes through the wood with a piece 
of hot iron, and then splice the sticks together 
with those bolts we saw on the rubbish-heap.” 

Archie did not understand about bolts, and had 
no clear idea of Eddie’s plan. But he believed 
he could do almost anything with his hands, so 
he hastened to collect the sticks of wood for the 
ladder, while Eddie put the round piece of iron 
they had been using into the fire to heat. When 
it was red-hot he made a hole about an inch in 
diameter in the ends of each length of wood. It 
was hard work, and it was many hours before 
their task was finished. 

They had eaten their last bit of food, and were 
hungry and almost faint when at last the two 
sides of the ladder were ready for the rounds. 
The bolts worked very well, and made the sides 
strong enough, though rather wobbly.” 

After resting a little while, they made the 
rounds by short lengths of wood laid on the pro- 
221 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


jecting bolts, twisting wire firmly around them 
to keep them in place. 

It was a very awkward and clumsy ladder, 
but it looked beautiful to the two little prisoners, 
and as they placed it against the wall their grimy 
faces beamed with delight. 

Eddie tried it first. It creaked and swayed 
under his weight, and they were afraid it would 
break, but he went up and down several times 
until he could get the hang of it,” as he said, 
and was sure it would do. 

It reached to within a foot of the opening. The 
little boy stood on its top round and peered into 
the darkness. A strong draught struck him, 
which he was sure came from outside. By the 
light of his lantern he saw that the dangling rope 
was the end of a large coil which lay near the 
edge of the opening, and guessed that it was used 
to raise and lower the chests and other articles 
in the cave. The boys held a consultation, and 
decided that Archie should go up first and ex- 
plore, and that Eddie and dip would follow if the 
report was favorable. 

Archie took the lighted lantern and half a 
dozen bits of candles, with the precious box of 
matches, and slowly climbed the ladder. Then 
he lighted a candle and stuck it in a crevice near 
the opening, as much protected as possible from 
the draught, and placed another farther on as 
222 


THE LADDER 


soon as he reached a point where he conld no 
longer see the first one. His object in placing 
the candles in this way was to show the way 
back, if he should be lost, or if anything happened 
to the lantern. 

He crawled through a short tunnel-like passage 
on his hands and knees over rough stones and 
damp clay, with water often dripping on his 
back, until he came to a more open space where 
he could stand erect. He saw, by the light of his 
lantern, that he was now in a room much larger 
than the one they had been staying in. It was 
narrow and long, like a hall, and was very crook- 
ed, with many winding turns. He came to the 
end of it at last, and crawled through a small hole 
in the wall into a larger room, then through an- 
other hall-like passage and up a steep slope. The 
draught he had been feeling in his face grew 
stronger and fresher now, and he felt sure, as he 
scrambled and stumbled along, that he was on 
the right track at last. 

All the time his guide had been many foot- 
prints on the sand and clay floors of the various 
rooms, showing him the direction to take. 

His hand trembled with excitement as he light- 
ed his last candle, and when he turned round he 
was sure he saw a faint ray of daylight not far 
away. 

He had been many hours underground, in ter- 
223 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


rible anxiety and suspense. Now that he was 
sure of escape, his excited nerves gave way, and 
he sat down and laughed and cried hysterically. 

Eddie heard him faintly, and began shouting 
anxiously to know what was the matter. The 
boys were too far apart to hear each other^s words, 
but Archie hastened back to the ladder, exclaim- 
ing : Oh, IVe found the way out ! Come along 
with dip, quick !” 

Eddie was overjoyed and began to laugh and 
cry, too, as he ran to get the little dog. The boys 
expected to have no trouble in making dip climb 
the ladder. He had been trained to do more dif- 
ficult feats than that. But, much to their sur- 
prise, they could not prevail on the little fellow 
to take a step. He seemed too weak to stand, 
when Eddie tried to urge him forward. 

You see, he^s too sick to walk. How shall 
we ever get him up the ladder said Eddie, in 
distress. 

Wedl have to do it some way,” said Archie. 

It never occurred to either of them to desert 
their little companion, and at last, after much 
consultation, they decided to tie him securely in 
a blanket, fasten the rope to this, and together 
pull him up the wall to the opening. 

Their hands were almost blistered by the coarse 
rope, but they landed their precious bundle safe- 
ly. Jip was too weak to move, and Eddie carried 
224 


THE LADDER 


him, slowly and cautiously, through all the pas- 
sages and rooms. 

They had one more difficulty in climbing the 
slope, hut Eddie ran back for the rope, and, tying 
it again to the bundle, they succeeded in pulling 
Jip up the slippery surface, and in another in- 
stant they were standing in the free, open air, 
with grass under their feet and trees and shrubs 
about them. 

Looking up, they saw a bright moon in the sky 
which made a soft light almost as clear as day. 

Oh, ainT it lovely began Eddie. Then, 
looking round, he saw Archie looking dazed and 
weak and sinking down on the grass, where he at 
once went into a sound sleep. 

Eddie looked at his watch and found it was 
only eleven o’clock. He concluded it was best for 
them all to sleep until morning ; so he spread the 
blanket over the three and knew nothing more 
until, at four o’clock, he was awakened by voices 
near him. 

Opening his eyes, he saw Wag and Thad look- 
ing down on them through the dim morning light, 
and old Staggers looming up behind them. 

Why, where did you come from ?” exclaimed 
Eddie, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. 

I’d better ask you that question,” returned 
Wag. What made ye leave Stone’s so early in 
the mornin’ ?” 


225 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


We haven’t been there/’ said Eddie. 

N’ot been there !” echoed the big boy. 

Then where have ye been the last two days ?” 

We fell into a cave from a hole in the bottom 
of the Hopper, and we got ont through that one,” 
pointing to an opening behind them. 

Why, that beats the Dutch !” oried Wag, star- 
ing with open mouth at Eddie. 

What kind of a cave was it ?” asked Thad. 

Somebody had lived there. We used their 
blankets and dishes and had a fire in their fire- 
place,” said the little boy. 

That’s the counterfeiters’ cave !” exclaimed 
Wag, excitedly. Me and Thad was just lookin’ 
for it, and I don’t see how on earth we missed 
that hole.” 

That bush there pretty nigh hid it,” said 
Thad. 

But tell us what else there was in the cave.” 

There were some chests,” said Eddie ; but 
we couldn’t open ’em.” 

There’s where they kept their bogus money !” 
exclaimed Thad, slapping his knee. We’d bet- 
ter go right in and get it.” 

But Wag thought the little boys should be 
cared for at once; afterward, the cave could be 
explored at their leisure. So, after trying in vain 
to waken Archie, Thad mounted Staggers with 
the sleeping boy in front of him. Wag carried 
226 


THE LADDER 


Jip, and they all started for the Den, which was 
not very far away. 

Uncle Weary was there. He had returned 
sooner than he had expected, on an early morn- 
ing train, and was getting breakfast. 

Archie wakened now, though he still seemed 
dazed. But both hoys were more like themselves 
as soon as they were washed and dressed in clean 
clothes and had eaten of the good food which was 
soon ready. 

Uncle Weary was silent while they told their 
story. After they had finished, he said : “ Well, 
you had a pretty tough time, but you showed 
a good deal of courage and ingenuity. I guess 
Archie ’ll make a first-rate soldier, after all.” 


CHAPTEK XXII 


ON THE KOAD 

^^T)OYS, let’s have a council of war. I want 
Jj your advice,” said Uncle Weary, a few 
evenings later. 

The children came wonder ingly at Uncle 
Weary’s call. To be asked for their opinion was 
a new experience. Sit down by the fire and 
we’ll have a powwow, as the Indians do,” the 
young man went on. 

The boys obeyed. They were puzzled but 
much pleased, and stretched their bare feet tow- 
ard the fiame, the warmth of which was very 
agreeable. 

After a few moments of silence the young man 
said, abruptly : I have found that some people 
in the village are saying I stole you. Xow the 
question is, what shall we do about it? Shall 
I take you home, or will you go with me some- 
where else ?” 

I don’t want to go home,” said Archie, 
quickly. 


228 


ON THE ROAD 


I don^t, either’^ echoed Eddie, emphatically. 
I don^t see why folks tell such dreadful stories. 
I wish we could stay right here.^’ 

“ That^s out of the question,” said Uncle 
Weary, decidedly. We must make up our 
minds to-night and leave here as soon as pos- 
sible.” 

Why do we have to pay any attention to that 
story,” said Archie. We can tell people it 
isn’t true.” 

They wouldn’t believe us, and some one 
would be sure to make us a lot of trouble.” 

Where can we go ?” asked Archie. 

I have a cousin living on a farm south of 
here, beyond Jericho. There’s a summer hotel 
in the village and plenty of blackberries all 
around there. We might do a good business. 
What do you say to going there ?” 

How long will it take us ?” asked Eddie. 

About two days and nights, I guess — ^with 
old Staggers.” 

I think that would be fine,” said Archie, 
and we’d better start to-morrow.” 

Do you think so, too, Eddie ?” said the young 
man. 

Yes,” said the little boy, rather hesitatingly, 
looking around at the familiar objects that he 
was so fond of. 

We’d have to leave all these things pretty 
229 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


soon, anyway, sonny,” said Uncle Weary, gently. 

We’ll carry along Jip and the kitten. Wag 
owns the fawn, you know, and he’ll take the pig 
and chickens and rabbits.” 

“ I wish we could take Wag,” said the boy. 

You don’t wish that more than he does. I 
told him to-day we were going soon, and he was 
all broken up over it. He’s a good-hearted chap, 
and I hate to leave him myself.” 

‘^We can’t get ready to start to-morrow, can 
we ?” asked Eddie. 

We could start early in the morning before 
light, and I think we’d better. I thought you’d 
vote to go, and so I’ve been getting ready to-day.” 

Can’t we say good-bye to Mrs. Taggart and 
Em and Wag and the Stones ?” asked the little 
boy, tearfully. 

What’s the use of making yourself miser- 
able? It’s much better not to say good-bye. 
That’s one reason for starting right off, when you 
can’t see things to cry over ’em. I’ve told Wag, 
if he came in the morning and found us gone, 
to take the stock away. How you’d better go 
to bed and get some sleep before we start.” 

They were wakened some time before daylight 
by their guardian, who told them to put on their 
stockings, shoes, and jackets. They did this as 
well as they could by the light of the lantern 
which he was dodging round with, and then saw, 
230 


ON THE ROAD 


dimly, that Staggers was harnessed to the little 
wagon, which had a cover made from the awning 
fastened over some bent saplings. The old horse 
was white again, the stain having been taken off, 
and looked large and ghostly to the little fellows, 
and everything about them seemed most unreal 
and dreamlike. 

But there was no time to think much about it, 
for Uncle Weary said, briskly, Get in, boys. 
Cuddle down in the straw and take another 
nap.” The wagon was well filled with boxes and 
bundles and cooking utensils, but they contrived 
to find space for their little bodies, and, though 
they did not go to sleep at first, they kept still 
while the old horse walked slowly away from 
Rattlesnake Den down the hill to the high-road. 

After awhile the boys fell asleep, and knew 
nothing more until they opened their eyes in 
broad daylight in a country they had never seen 
before. Staggers was going along at a slow pace, 
and Uncle Weary was plodding by his side. 

The children sat up, rubbing their sleepy eyes, 
and Eddie stuck out his curly head. 

Hullo, sonny ! You’re awake, are you 
said the young man, smiling. 

Yes,” said the boy. We’re both awake. 
Where are we ?” 

Well, we’re on the road to Jericho. You 
know there’s where the good man fell among 
231 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


thieves, but I guess we won’t,” he added, seeing 
the troubled look on the boy’s face. 

They were not long in reaching a little running 
brook, such as one finds everywhere in New Eng- 
land, and they stopped at its edge on a grassy 
spot. The harness was taken off, and the faith- 
ful old horse well watered and fed. Eddie quick- 
ly built a little fire in a sheltered place, and 
Archie made the coffee and cooked some bacon 
in a small frying-pan. There was plenty of 
bread and butter and some bananas, and the boys 
ate heartily, with real country appetites. 

They were now in a valley, with a mountain 
rising close on one side of them, while on the 
other were meadows and streams between them 
and the more distant range. 

I think I’ll go up into those pine woods,” 
said the young man after breakfast. Staggers 
and I need a nap.” 

Didn’t you sleep any ?” asked Eddie. 

How could I sleep and drive, too ?” said 
Uncle Weary, answering the question in New 
England fashion. But I’ll make up for it to- 
day,” he added, cheerfully. 

He harnessed Staggers to the wagon, and they 
plunged into the dark forest, following an aban- 
doned road which was in very bad condition. 

Have you ever been here before ?” asked 
Eddie, anxiously. 


232 


ON THE ROAD 


Don’t you worry, sonny. I know all about 
pine woods and old roads. This will take us 
somewhere.” 

The mountain was very steep in places, and the 
road so washed by rains that it was difficult to 
get the wagon along. But after awhile, by dint 
of much urging, they succeeded in reaching a 
small house almost covered by weeds and briers. 
Uncle Weary drove into the yard, and, finding 
the place deserted, he concluded to make his camp 
there for the day. He took ofi the harness and 
turned the horse loose to feed on some sweet or- 
chard grass, and then, telling the boys they might 
do as they pleased, but not to go out of sight, he 
threw himself on a blanket under an old apple- 
tree and fell at once into a heavy sleep. 

The little boys were eager to enjoy a whole 
day devoted to play, and began at once to explore 
the old house and barn. After that they climbed 
apple-trees and hunted for chipmunks, and final- 
ly settled down to playing in the tiny brook — 
building a dam which made a little lake, in which 
they built an island and a bridge connecting it 
with the mainland. 

They were so busy and interested that the hours 
slipped away unnoticed, and they did not know 
it was noon until Uncle Weary stood by them 
looking down at their work. He was pale, and 
spoke in a husky voice when he told them to get 
I6 233 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


their dinner from the wagon. He then walked 
slowly back to his resting-place under the apple- 
tree. 

It was so unusual for him to be silent and in- 
different to them, to have no jokes or cheerful 
comment for anything new they were doing, 
that the boys looked at each other in astonish- 
ment, and Eddie said, anxiously : Are you sick. 
Uncle Weary?” 

The young man did not answer at first, but 
said, presently : I don’t feel very well, but I 
guess I’ll be all right when I get my sleep 
out.” 

He ate very little luncheon, but drank fever- 
ishly of the cold water, and soon went to sleep 
again. 

The boys made up for his loss of appetite by 
eating their portions and his, too, and then spent 
the afternoon in manufacturing tiny cities and 
towns round their miniature lake. When the 
sun set behind the mountain and the air grew 
chilly, their guardian woke and gave them di- 
rections to light a fire and put on the iron pot 
for their usual stew. Eor this they found, in the 
box fastened to the back of the wagon, a dressed 
rabbit, a piece of pork, vegetables, and crusts of 
bread. After the dinner the dishes were washed 
in the brook and packed away in the wagon by 
the boys, and then they sat on the ground, tired 
234 


ON THE ROAD 


and sleepy, asking no questions and waiting trust- 
ingly for orders. 

Presently Uncle Weary told them to go to 
bed in the wagon, and they obeyed willingly, 
dropping to sleep at once. The young man sat 
by the fire until midnight, when he lighted a 
lantern to find Staggers, who was still eating and 
resting by turns, put the harness on the old horse, 
and fastened him to the wagon. It was a dif- 
ficult task to lead him over the uneven and sidling 
road; but finally they reached the main thor- 
oughfare in the valley, when the young man 
took his seat in the wagon and drove steadily 
until daylight. 

It was the last of August, but there had been 
no sunshine for three days, and the air was damp 
and chilly. Py six o’clock a slow, drizzling rain 
began. 

This ’ll never do,” said Uncle Weary, after 
they had ridden for about half an hour. Stag- 
gers won’t stand it very long. We must find a 
shelter for him and go into camp till it clears up.” 

Soon after this they turned into a lane which 
seemed to lead across the valley at right angles 
to the main road. We’ll take our chances of 
finding something along here,” said Uncle Weary, 
looking to the right and left for some shelter such 
as he wanted. 


CHAPTEE XXIII 


THE HAY-BARN 

P RESEXTLY they drove up to a small barn 
a fev7 feet from the road. Back of it was a 
meadow which seemed to have been mowed re- 
cently, as the grass in it was short and green. 

Xo house anywhere round. Must be the barn 
is here to store the hay,” said Uncle Weary. 

Eddie, you run round to the back and see if 
there’s any sort of shed for the horse.” 

Eddie did as he was told, and came back in a 
moment with the report that there was a lean- 
to ” against the barn where there was a manger, 
and he was sure horses had been kept there. 
They found the place quite big enough for their 
small wagon and for Staggers. It had evidently 
been built as a temporary stable during haying- 
time, and would probably remain empty until 
another season. 

“ Just the thing for us. Couldn’t be better,” 
said the young man, in a tone of satisfaction, 
while the boys jumped to the ground. 

236 


THE HAY-BARN 


Uncle Weary, won’t you stay in the wagon 
and let us take care of the horse? It’s awful 
cold and wet out here, and I’m afraid it ’ll make 
you worse,” said Archie; and Eddie joined in: 

Yes, please do. We can get dinner and every- 
thing.” 

Well, I declare !” cried Uncle Weary, laugh- 
ing. You propose to take me in hand, do you ? 
Well, I guess you could do it. But I’d bet- 
ter look around a little and see how things 
are.” 

He started to get out, but, seeing the pools of 
water lying about on the earth floor of the shed 
and beginning to cough at the same time, he 
climbed back, and when he could speak he said, 
with great difficulty: Well, I might as well let 
you see what you can do.” 

The boys were delighted, and felt very im- 
portant as they took Staggers from the shafts, 
rubbed him down, tied him to the manger, and 
fed and w^atered him. There was feed in a hag 
in the wagon, and Eddie brought water in a pail 
from a brook in the meadow. The rain was 
falling steadily now, hut the hoys kept dry, 
as Uncle Weary made them wear little rub- 
ber capes whenever they had to go out in the 
rain. 

It was almost eight o’clock by the time Stag- 
gers was made comfortable, and the boys were 
237 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


very hungry. Where shall we build the fire?” 
asked Eddie, coming to the wagon. 

You’ll see,” said Uncle Weary, and, opening 
a box, he brought out a little oil-stove, which he 
filled with kerosene from a tin can. He placed 
it on the box, lighted it, and put on it some bacon 
in a little frying-pan. 

Does pretty well for a rainy day, doesn’t it ?” 
he remarked. 

Oh, this is nice !” said Eddie, admiringly. 

How did you happen to think of it ?” 

Don’t I think of everything ?” said the young 
man, cutting some thick slices from a loaf of 
bread. 

Yes, and you can do everything,” said Eddie, 
heartily, really believing Uncle Weary able to 
meet any emergency. 

Some harvest-apples which they had brought 
with them, together with plenty of good bread 
and butter and the hot bacon, made an excellent 
breakfast for hungry boys. After the meal, at 
Uncle Weary’s suggestion, they sat on Staggers’ 
back and played checkers, while the young man 
laid down in the wagon to sleep. 

This was great fun at first, but they were such 
active little fellows that the cramped position be- 
came tiring after a short time, and the novelty of 
playing checkers on horseback wore off. They 
could not carry on any sort of play in the little 
238 


THE HAY-BARN 


shed without disturbing Uncle Weary, and it 
seemed probable that the time would bang rather 
heavily on their hands. 

I wish it would stop raining, so we could go 
out and have some fun,’’ whispered Archie. 

The young man overheard the remark, and 
said : You hoys aren’t very smart. Why don’t 
you play on the hay in the barn?” 

Oh, can we do that ?” said Eddie, joyfully. 

I didn’t s’pose you’d let us. My uncle says it 
spoils hay to jump on it.” 

Children of your size can’t hurt it.” 

This was permission enough, and Eddie slip- 
ped down from the horse’s back, calling, glee- 
fully : Come on, Archie ! That’s the most fun 
of anything.” 

They wanted dip to play with them, but Un- 
cle Weary said he would make too much noise, 
so the little dog had to stay quietly in the wagon 
with the kitten. 

The boys succeeded, by their united strength, 
in opening the big door, and, peering through the 
dim light, they saw heaps of fresh, sweet-smelling 
hay piled high on each side, leaving a broad pas- 
sage through the centre. 

Archie had never had the fun of playing in a 
barn, and looked at the steep walls on either side 
rather doubtfully. But Eddie knew just what 
to do, and immediately scrambled up a tall lad- 
239 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


der which rested against the haj, climbed from 
that to a broad beam near the ceiling, and began 
jumping on the soft bed beneath with squeals of 
delight. 

Archie followed immediately, and then began 
a series of somersaults and tumblings, of sliding 
to the floor down a steep incline, and, when they 
were tired of that, hiding in holes and playing 
bear.^^ 

Ain’t this fun said Eddie, when they stop- 
ped a moment to rest, his little, tanned face cov- 
ered with perspiration. 

I should say so,” said Archie, heartily. It’s 
most as good as swimming or fishing.” 

They played again until they were hungry, 
and then went back to the wagon, where they 
found that Uncle Weary had prepared a nice 
stew on the little stove. They played again in 
the barn in the afternoon, and this time Jip was 
allowed to go with them. But every time he 
barked he was punished, so that he soon learned 
to keep still. 

After supper they were tired and sleepy, and 
ready for bed before dark. I guess we’ll stay 
here and sleep on the hay,” said Uncle Weary, 
when they turned to him for orders. 

This was exactly what the boys wanted, and, 
after seeing their guardian stretched on a soft 
pile near the open door, they cuddled down in 
240 


THE HAY-BARN 

warm nests they had made and were asleep im- 
mediately. 

In the morning the air was qnife cold and still 
damp. The rain had stopped falling, hnt there 
was promise of more, for the sky was gray and 
lowering. Beats all,” said Uncle Weary. Ud 
say this was the equinoctial if it was a little 
later.” 

He had coughed all night, and looked pale and 
weak, with a red spot on either cheek. The hoys 
noticed his unusual quietness as he lay in the 
hay long after sunrise, and, though he did not 
complain, they felt sure he was ill. They begged 
him again to let them get breakfast and do all 
the work, and this time he assented without 
comment. 

WeTl start right after breakfast,” he said. 

IVe been thinking I’d better turn hack and get 
you fellows to the railroad and send you home. 
I’m afraid I’m in for a spell of sickness and 
can’t take care of you.” 

What ’ll you do ?” asked Archie. 

I don’t know. I’ll get along some way. I 
always do.” 

But I don’t want to go home and leave you 
while you’re sick,” said Archie, earnestly. You 
need Eddie and me to take care of you.” 

Why can’t we go hack to the Den and stay 

till you’re better ?” asked Eddie. 

241 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Pm afraid if we do that the sheriff will be 
bothering ns about the counterfeiters’ cave. Wag 
can tell him about it if we’re not there ; I’ve ar- 
ranged to have him get the reward for finding it. 
You want him to have it, don’t you ?” 

The boys agreed that this would suit them best, 
and Eddie said : Oh, do let us go on, then. I 
never want to leave you.” 

Uncle Weary coughed, and then whispered, 
hoarsely: Well, you run along now and get 

breakfast while I think it over.” 

The little shed was cold and damp and un- 
comfortable, but the boys were tough and did 
not mind, and rushed about in their bare feet 
through the mud to water and feed Staggers and 
prepare the breakfast. 

Then they found, to their consternation, that 
rats had been in the wagon during the night and 
had done a deal of mischief. They had taken 
about half the cheese, kept in a pasteboard box, 
and had eaten holes in the bag of grain, which 
was scattered in heaps on the fioor. Oh, what 
’ll we do !” said Eddie, in dismay. We must go 
and tell Uncle Weary right -off.” 

Uo, don’t bother him,” said Archie. He’s 
too sick. He couldn’t help it now, and we can 
clean up as well as he can.” 

“ But what ’ll we do with the feed ?” asked Ed- 
die, helplessly. 


242 


THE HAY-BARN 


Sew up the holes, of course,’’ said Archie, in 
a very good imitation of Uncle Weary’s tones. 

Eddie fell in with the suggestion at once, and 
together they lifted the heavy bag to the ground 
and placed it on a dry board. They fed and 
watered the horse and made the coffee, and then 
Archie looked for the needles and thread, while 
Eddie began to clean the floor of the wagon. 
J ust then they heard voices, and, looking out, saw 
two farmer boys, a little older and larger than 
themselves, looking quite as astonished as they 
were. All four stared in silence for an instant, 
and then the older farmer boy said, gruffly: 

What you doin’ here ?” 

Before the children could answer, the barn- 
door opened and Uncle Weary stepped out. 
‘‘ Here’s fifty cents, boys, for the use of your 
barn and the hay our horse has eaten. We’ve 
been caught in the rain and stayed here over- 
night,” he said, handing the money to the older 
boy. 

That’s all right, so long as you didn’t set the 
barn afire,” said the boy, as he walked away with 
his brother. 

How we must hurry off before they get 
home, or we’ll be arrested for vagrants,” said 
Uncle Weary. 

The little boys lifted the bag of feed in great 
haste into the wagon, the grain dribbling out of 
243 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


a big hole near the bottom, while the young man 
buckled the harness on the old horse and fastened 
him in the shafts, with the help of the children. 

He’ll have to finish his breakfast and we’ll 
eat ours in a safer place than this,” said Uncle 
Weary, as they clambered into the wagon and 
drove hurriedly round the barn to the lane. They 
did not retrace their steps, and Archie ventured 
to say: We’re not going back, are we?” 

I guess we’ll try to make Jericho. We can 
manage it in a couple of days if we have good 
luck,” said their guardian, much to the boys’ 
delight. They said nothing, however, as they 
thought this would best please Uncle Weary, and 
in silence the old horse plodded down the muddy 
lane and turned into the highway, which was on 
the opposite side of the valley from the one they 
had first travelled, but went in the same direction. 

All roads lead to Jericho,” said Uncle Weary. 
“ All we have to do is to face south and keep 
going.” 

The rain slackened a little now, and they all 
breakfasted by the roadside. The young man 
drank a great deal of water from the running 
brook where they stopped, but ate very little, and 
when they were ready to start again seemed will- 
ing to take Archie’s suggestion to lie down and 
let him drive. 

All right — ^you’re the doctor,” he said, whim- 
244 


THE HAY-BARN 


sically, as he crawled into the wagon and allowed 
Eddie to cover him and arrange his pillow. 

He seemed to sleep for perhaps an hour, cough- 
ing painfully at intervals, and the boys spoke in 
whispers so as not to disturb him. Then he told 
them to stop at the first store they came to and 
buy some crackers. “ They have groceries, usual- 
ly, at the post-offices along these country roads. 
YouTl find some money in a leather wallet in 
the bottom of the feed-hag. I thought it would 
be as safe there as anywhere. Did you see it 
when you fed the horse 

Ho, we didn’t look,” said Archie. 

Well, it’s there, and you must take good care 
of it. It’s all we have, and it wouldn’t do to lose 
it.” 

Must Eddie do all the talking at the store ?” 
asked Archie. 

Uncle Weary thought for a moment, and then 
said : I guess that’s not necessary any more. I 
don’t care which does the talking, only don’t an- 
swer questions, and don’t tell folks any more than 
you have to, about our affairs.” 

Then, giving his watch and compass to Archie, 
he told the boys to stop about noon, if they came 
to good water, to feed and rest the horse and to 
eat their own luncheon. 

Shall we keep right on this road ?” asked 
Archie. 


245 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Follow your compass and go south. That’s 
all you need to know. I didn’t sleep last night, 
so don’t wake me unless you have to.” 

He finished feebly and closed his eyes. The 
boys felt very sober and anxious, but dared not 
talk. They both had fears that the wallet had 
fallen from the hole in the feed-bag when they 
put it in the wagon in such haste, but there was 
no way of knowing until they stopped. Fortu- 
nately, not long after this the watch told them 
it was almost noon, and, coming about that time 
to a watering-trough, they hastened to take the 
bag out and carry it some distance from the 
wagon. Then they made a thorough search, and 
found that the money was gone. 

We’ll have to tell him, won’t we ?” whispered 
Eddie. 

Hot till he wakes up,” said Archie, also 
whispering. 

But the young man did not waken during the 
long hours of the afternoon. The children ate 
when they were hungry, watered and fed the 
horse, and allowed him to rest often. About six 
o’clock it began to rain. As they did not know 
what else to do, they kept on, thinking it better 
for the horse to walk than to stand in the wet, 
and not daring to stop at the farm-houses they 
were passing. 

Uncle Weary did not cough now, and the chil- 
246 


THE HAY-BARN 

dren were much comforted by the thought that 
he was better. It never occurred to them to dis- 
turb him, and, believing that he would soon 
waken and tell them what to do for the night, 
they jogged along in the cold, drizzling rain un- 
til they both fell asleep. 


CHAPTEE XXIV 


THE HAVEN 

S TAGGEES seemed to realize that something 
unusual had happened, and that he ought to 
put them all in a safe place and wait for further 
orders; for, when the reins dropped from the 
hands of the sleepy little boy, the faithful old 
horse walked quietly to one side of the road and 
stood on a grassy spot, with his head bowed pa- 
tiently, while the rain dripped from his bony 
sides. The boys slept on, hour after hour, as 
only tired and healthy children can. They were 
protected from the wet by the cover of the wagon, 
but the air was damp and chilly, and tow- 
ard morning Eddie was awakened by Jip, who 
crawled into his arms, cold and shivering. The 
child had no idea where he was, but, reaching 
out in the darkness, he touched a cold, clammy 
hand. 

His screams wakened Archie, who called out: 
What is it ? Where are we ? What’s the mat- 
ter?” 


248 


THE HAVEN 


Oh, Uncle Weary’s dead ! I know he is !” 
said Eddie, wildly. 

You just dreamed it, I guess. Don’t make 
such a noise or you’ll wake him.” 

Eddie stopped crying, and then they thought 
they heard a faint moan. 

They called his name several times, and when 
he did not answer, Archie said : I believe he’s 
very sick. We must have a light.” 

They searched in the darkness and found some 
matches. The lantern, which was within easy 
reach, was lighted, and then Eddie screamed 
again with terror. 

Uncle Weary was lying with his eyes closed 
and a crimson stain on his chin. 

Oh, some one has tried to kill him while we 
were asleep !” shrieked Eddie. 

Stop your crying !” ordered Archie, in the 
same tone he had heard their guardian use. 

Don’t you know you’ll make him worse ? I 
know what’s the matter. He’s got the hemridge. 
My uncle George had that in the Adirondacks 
when he was out camping.” 

Eddie became quiet at once, but was too fright- 
ened to speak, and stood staring with open mouth 
at the sick man. 

We must give him some salt,” said Archie. 

That’s what the guide did for Uncle George, 
and it saved his life.” 


17 


249 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

The thought that there was something he could 
do to help, brought Eddie to his senses, and he 
immediately scrambled to the back of the wagon, 
where the salt was kept, and brought back a bag- 
ful of it. 

Hold up his head a little, so I can put some 
in his mouth,” said Archie, who, as a matter of 
course, assumed command. The young man was 
conscious and aware of what was being done for 
him, and, although very weak from loss of blood, 
had strength enough to swallow the salt. The 
remedy was quickly effective, and the flow of 
blood soon stopped. Uncle Weary opened his 
eyes and smiled faintly, but he was too weak to 
speak or move. 

What shall we do now asked Eddie, in a 
whisper. 

We must take him into the nearest house and 
have a doctor,” said Archie, promptly. 

It was several minutes before the little fellows 
could get the old horse back into the road, as the 
lines had fallen under his heels, and in the rain 
and darkness it was difficult to find and straighten 
them. But they were all right when this was 
done, as Staggers had stood almost motionless, 
and they started at a very slow walk, for the 
horse was stiff and lame from exposure and cold. 

Archie put the little rubber cape over his 
shoulders and walked ahead with the lantern to 
250 


THE HAVEN 


show the way, and Eddie sat on the seat to drive. 
They went on in this way for perhaps a quarter 
of a mile, when they saw a light by the sid^e of 
the road. That must be a house,’’ said Archie. 

I’ll go and see. You stay where you are till I 
come back.” 

The light shone faintly from the window of a 
small dwelling, as the child had surmised. He 
walked up the gravelled path, with hollyhocks 
and rose-bushes on either side of him, and stood 
on a broad stone step while he rapped on the 
front door. The only answer was a dog’s hoarse 
bark. Eddie heard it as he sat in the wagon in 
front of the gate, and trembled so that he could 
hardly hold the lines. Archie was very much 
frightened, too, but he stood his ground and 
rapped again. The dog barked more angrily than 
before. The boy repeated his knocking many 
times, and at last he heard the creaking of a 
window-shutter near him, and a woman’s voice 
said : “ Who is it ? What do you want ?” 

My uncle’s very sick out here in our wagon. 
Won’t you let us come into your house?” said 
Archie. 

This time the shutter flew open, and the woman 
exclaimed : Eor the land’s sake ! Why, you 

poor baby ! You wait there and I’ll be right out.” 

When she came to the door a moment later 
her hand was on the collar of a big dog, which 
251 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


she was scolding. He won’t bite yon, dear,” 
she said, reassuringly. Don’t you be afraid of 
Tige. Come right in out of the rain.” 

Can’t somebody bring Uncle Weary in ? 
He’s very sick, and he can’t walk.” 

What’s the matter of him ?” 

He’s got the hemridge, I guess.” 

The hemridge ! What is the child talkin’ 
about ?” 

Why, the blood was coming out of his mouth, 
and we stopped it with salt.” 

Oh, I know what you mean,” said the wom- 
an. A hemorrhage. Massy sakes ! But that’s 
awful ! I’ll get the hired man up and come 
right out there. Father !” she called, you make 
Tige go into the sittin’-room and stay there !” 

Come here, Tige !” said a commanding voice, 
which the dog obeyed at once. 

The woman then ran up a small stairway and 
rapped vigorously on a door, saying : Get up, 
quick, Ivan ! I want you.” 

As soon as she knew he was awake she threw 
over her loose wrapper a man’s overcoat, thrust 
her stockinged feet into a pair of overshoes, and, 
tying a small shawl over her head, joined Archie, 
who was now standing with his lantern in the lit- 
tle hall. 

The big Finn had hurried into his clothes and 
was with them by this time. He was much 
252 


THE HAVEN 


startled by being called in this abrupt way, and 
had no idea what was wanted, but he followed 
his mistress and Archie to the wagon and waited 
without a word for further orders. 

If there isn’t another baby !” said the woman, 
in astonishment, as the light of the lantern fell 
on Eddie’s frightened face, now covered with 
tears. This beats all I ever heard of ! But 
where’s the sick man ?” 

They lifted the curtain at the back and held 
the lantern so that she could see. One glance 
showed his condition and the need of immediate 
action. Here, Ivan, take him in your arms 
and put him in my bed,” she commanded. 

The Einn could speak very little English, but 
he understood enough to obey this order. He was 
very strong and very dexterous, and knew how 
to manage the difficult task of getting Uncle 
Weary out of the wagon. He did this with the 
help of all of them, and carried his burden into 
the house as easily as though it had been a baby. 

The woman led the way through a living-room 
lighted by the lamp which had guided the boys’ 
steps. By an open fire sat a stout, middle-aged 
man, who was evidently a cripple, for two heavy 
crutches stood by his arm-chair, and one foot, 
wrapped in cloths, rested on a substantial stool. 

What on earth are ye bringing in here, 
Maria ?” he exclaimed in amazement, as he 
253 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


caught a glimpse of Uncle Weary’s haggard face 
and thin, dangling legs. 

He’s an awful sick man, father,” said his 
wife. I’ll tell ye about it in a minute. I want 
to get him on the bed first.” 

The young man was laid gently down in the 
small adjoining room, and the Finn went back 
to take care of the horse, while the woman told 
her husband in a few words what had happened, 
and brought the wet, shivering children to the 
fire. 

“ I couldn’t do anything but take ’em in, 
father, could I ?” she said, while helping Archie 
to unbutton his jacket. 

I wouldn’t think much on ye if ye hadn’t,” 
said the old fellow. “ But you better look after 
your sick man, and I’ll see that these little rats 
are warmed and dried.” 

She hurried back to the invalid, and the crip- 
ple said, cheerfully : Well, well ! This is pretty 
tough luck, ain’t it ?” 

The boys said nothing, and their host went on. 

Put some more wood on, bub, and let’s have a 
fire.” 

Eddie threw some dry kindling on the coals, 
and a bright blaze sparkled in the old fire- 
place. 

That’s more like it,” said their host. How 
peel ofi them wet duds and hang ’em on the chairs 
254 


THE HAVEN 


to dry. Mother ’ll be here in a minute to fix ye 
up with some dry ones.” 

He made them stand by his chair while he 
helped them take off their sticky garments and 
wrapped them in old shawls. There,” he said, 
kindly, I guess that ’ll do till she comes.” 

They held their cold, red hands and feet tow- 
ard the comforting warmth, and their host went 
on : You’re pretty little shavers to be out on the 
road at this time o’ night. Where’d you come 
from, and where’re ye goin’?” 

Archie longed to answer these questions and 
talk freely with this kind, friendly man, and tell 
him all about their strange experiences. But he 
felt sure that Uncle Weary would not like to have 
him do that. His last words had been a caution 
not to talk any more than was necessary. Be- 
sides, he was used now to having Eddie speak 
for them both, so he said nothing, and Eddie an- 
swered, in his sweet voice : We came from Mel- 
ton, and we’re going to Jericho.” 

Melton ! Lemme see. Oh yes, I know. 
That’s up in Dodge County. You live in Jeri- 
cho ?” 

Uncle Weary has friends there.” 

You’re goin’ visitin’ ?” 

We’re just goin’ there to pick blackberries for 
the hotel.” 

Oh yes, I see,” said the old farmer. That’s 
255 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


how you happen to be travellin’ about barefoot. 
Lots of folks go round the country in the summer 
and make quite a little pile of money in the busy 
season. You did pretty well, I expect. Got 
quite rich, didn’t ye 

I don’t know,” said Eddie, faintly. 

Archie’s eyes were fixed on the old farmer’s 
face with such a bright and intelligent expres- 
sion that the latter turned to him now and said : 

Why don’t you have something to say, little 
feller. You look smart enough to talk like a 
house afire.” 

The child looked away at this, biting his lip, 
and the old man said, gently : There, it’s all 
right. You’re bashful, I expect. I was that way 
myself when I was your age, and I know all about 
it, but you needn’t be afraid of me. Why, I 
think all the world of little boys.” 

His wife and the hired man had been very 
busy during this time in caring for the sick man. 
She now came back to the group by the fire, look- 
ing so sober that her husband said : He’s pretty 
bad, ain’t he, mother ?” 

Well, I should say. He lies there like a log, 
though I don’t think he’s unconscious. He’s just 
weak. But I’ve done everything I can for him. 
Ivan got him into bed, and I washed him up a 
little and made him swallow a spoonful of warm 
milk with a drop of whiskey in it. It’s lucky 
256 


THE HAVEN 


the doctor is cornin’ to see yon this mornin’. I’ve 
sent Ivan over to tell him to come right away. 
He can have his breakfast here.” 

Eddie burst out sobbing at this. Oh, will 
Uncle Weary die ?” he cried. 

Hush ! He’ll hear you,” said Archie. 

Poor little man !” said the good woman, 
gathering the weeping child in her arms and sit- 
ting down with him on her lap before the fire. 

Your uncle ain’t a-goin’ to die, dearie. We 
won’t let him. Our good doctor ’ll be here now 
pretty soon, and he’ll tell us what to do, and I’m 
sure he’ll be well again right off.” 

Eddie put his arms around her neck and cried 
without any noise on her shoulder, while she 
smoothed his yellow curls with her hand. 

You’d better put those kids to bed, Maria. 
They’re all tuckered out,” said the farmer. 

Yes, that’s so,” said his wife. How, I’m 
goin’ to get you some bread and milk, and then 
you must both have a nap. That’s the best thing 
you can do for your uncle.” 

Can’t we wait till the doctor comes, Mrs. — 
I don’t know your name,” said Archie. 

Why, of course. We haven’t been intro- 
duced, have we ? I thought everybody knew the 
Cams. We’ve lived here so long. But you’re 
strangers, ain’t you 

And what’s your names ?” asked the farmer. 

257 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Archie and Eddie, and we’d like to know 
what the doctor thinks about Uncle Weary.” 

He won’t get here for a couple of hours. 
When he does come, I’ll let you know,” said 
Mrs. Cam. She kissed them both, and the farmer 
shook hands heartily, saying to Eddie, as he 
patted his head : Don’t be so down in the 
mouth, bub. Your uncle’s all right now he’s 
got into mother’s hands, and don’t you forget 
it.” 

They were put into one bed in a small room 
under the eaves, where Eddie fell asleep at once, 
but Archie lay awake listening for sounds that 
would tell him the doctor had come. 

At five o’clock he heard wheels at the door, and 
ran down to the living-room in a big night-gown 
which Mrs. Cam had put on him. Mr. Cam 
was sleeping in his chair, and the child could 
hear a low murmur of voices through the closed 
bedroom door. He dressed in his dried gar- 
ments, omitting his jacket, for the weather was 
now warm, and sat down in the shadow of the 
big arm-chair and waited. 

In a few minutes the door of the bedroom 
opened, and the doctor came out with Mrs. Cam. 
Their footsteps wakened the sleeper, who sat up 
and rubbed his eyes, saying : Well ! I must ’a’ 
been takin’ a little cat-nap. How’s the sick man, 
doc? Pretty bad off, ain’t he?” 

268 


THE HAVEN 


While there’s life there’s hope,” said the 
mild-faced old man. 

Dear ! dear ! So had as that ? I s’pose you’ll 
get him in the hospital soon’s you can?” 

The doctor shook his head. I’m afraid he 
can’t be stirred for a day or two without great 
danger, and after that time there may he no need 
of it.” 

I declare, doc, I don’t see how we’ll get 
through,” said the farmer, in an anxious voice. 

It wouldn’t make so much difference if I was 
well, but here I be laid up with this blamed foot, 
with my wife havin’ to wait on me. We can’t 
get help for love or money to run the milk wagon. 
She’s had to do that with all the rest, and she’s 
plum worked to death.” 

It never rains but it pours,” said Mrs. 
Cam. Ivan has just told me that Jerry is 
lame this morning, and he’s the only horse we 
can spare just now from the hayin’.” 

I think I know of a woman who would come 
and help you out,” said the doctor. This man’s 
life depends, just now, on good nursing. I wish 
you could do it, Mrs. Cam. You’d pull him 
through if anybody can.” 

Doctor, we’re awful hard up just now. We 
really couldn’t afford to pay out money for a 
nurse, and, from the looks of these people, I 
don’t believe they have any. We must just 
259 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


make the best of it. It won’t hurt the haj to 
let it go for a day or two. Ivan can take one 
of the work-horses and deliver the milk to-day, 
and perhaps something will turn up to help us 
out.” 

We had some money, and we lost it out of 
a hole in the bag; but Eddie and I can earn 
some more,” said Archie, rising from his stool 
and speaking, excitedly. 

INone of them knew he was in the room, and, 
when his little, bright head and shining face ap- 
peared so suddenly, they all exclaimed. 

What the dickens !” began the farmer. 

Land o’ love !” said his wife, sitting down 
quickly, with her hand over her heart. How 
that child scared me! You shouldn’t listen to 
what older folks are talkin’ about,” she said, re- 
provingly. 

I couldn’t help it !” exclaimed Archie. 

“ But you could let us know you were here.” 

Why, I thought you did know,” said Archie, 
very much surprised. I was just sitting by Mr. 
Cam, where I sat last night.” 

Don’t that beat all 1” exclaimed the farmer. 

I was asleep when he came in, and I never 
thought o’ lookin’ on that side o’ me, and my 
big chair hid him from you.” 

The doctor had heard the story of their ar- 
rival the night before, and now broke in : It’s 
260 


THE HAVEN 


all right for that hoy to take part in this coun- 
cil. He has an old head on him. If he had the 
presence of mind to do what he did last night — 
Why, there isn’t a grown person in a thousand 
would have done better! He’s — ^well, I guess 
you can trust him.” 

That’s so,” said the farmer, heartily. He’s 
a regular little man, and a whole lot more level- 
headed than most men grown.” 

Mrs. Cam put her arms around the child and 
kissed him. What do you think you and Eddie 
can do to earn money, dear ?” she asked. 

You said your horse is lame. We can drive 
ours to take ’round the milk, and then we can 
pick berries to sell.” 

What did I tell you ?” said the doctor. 

How that’s a good plan fixed up right out o’ 
hand.” 

I dunno hut what the little monkey can do 
it,” laughed the old farmer. 

“ You’re a good boy,” said Mrs. Cam, and 
if you and Eddie can carry the milk around to- 
day I’ll take the best kind o’ care of your poor 
uncle.” 

You couldn’t do better, Mrs. Cam,” said the 
doctor, looking about the disorderly room for his 
hat. 

I think so, too. It’s a regular godsend to 
have the horse and all just now. Ivan will start 
261 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


’em soon’s he’s through milkin’, and they can go 
by the names of the streets on the lamp-posts 
and by the numbers of the houses. I’m not 
afraid but what so smart a child' as he is can 
manage the business all right.” Then, turning 
to Archie, she said : How you go and wake 
Eddie, and I’ll get your breakfast.” 

After the boy had gone the doctor said, as he 
was about to leave : You’ll have to watch your 
sick man pretty sharp. It’s nip and tuck if he 
gets well. There’d be some chance for him if 
he could sleep. But he seems keyed way up. 
Shouldn’t wonder if he had something on his 
mind.” 

Do you think we’d better send for his folks, 
doctor ? I s’pose they’d be so poor they couldn’t 
get here if we did, but perhaps we ought to let 
’em know how sick he is, anyway.” 

I’ll call this afternoon, and we can see then.” 

The doctor was in his buckboard and ready to 
drive down the gravelled road. Archie ran up 
the steep stairway to the bedside of his sleep- 
ing comrade, and shook his shoulder vigorously, 
shouting: Get up, quick, Eddie! We’re going 
to sell milk to make money for Uncle Weary 1” 


CHAPTER XXV 


EM TO THE RESCUE 

I T was about six o’clock when Ivan and the 
boys started with the morning’s supply of 
milk for the customers in the town about a mile 
away. The bid horse was pretty lame and stiff 
after his hard night’s experience, but he came 
from tough stock and could stand a good deal. 
Besides, he had been well fed and rubbed, and 
seemed able to draw the light milk wagon with- 
out difficulty. 

The boys had a list of customers, and, as the 
town was laid out in squares, with the names of 
streets on lamp-posts at the corners, they had no 
trouble in finding the right houses by means of 
the numbers. 

Ivan left them, as soon as he was sure they 
understood what to do, and hurried back to his 
haying. The boys scurried around to the back 
doors, pouring their pints and quarts of milk 
into various pans and bowls, and answering ques- 
tions put by all sorts of dressed and half-dressed 
women and children. 


263 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


It was characteristic of Eddie that he had ask- 
' ed no questions or required any explanations 
when he was wakened that morning and told of 
the new plans. He accepted Archie^s leadership, 
as he had that of Uncle Weary, trustingly and 
confidingly, feeling sure that everything Avas 
being done for the best. Besides, during the 
hurry of starting, and afterward when delivering 
the milk, there had been no time to talk things 
over. But now, as they jogged homeward 
through the August heat in their thin little 
shirts and blue overalls, Archie told his com- 
panion of the conversation he had overheard 
that morning, and the need of making good the 
lost wallet. 

But you said your father was rich. Why 
don’t you write to him for the money?” asked 
Eddie. 

Because I’m sure he’d take me right away 
if I did, and Uncle Weary said he wanted to go 
home Avith me himself. The thing for us to do 
is to help Mrs. Cam all we can, so she Avill take 
care of Uncle Weary.” 

Archie was acting from mixed motives, as most 
people do. He really was devoted to Uncle 
Weary, and believed that he was doing just 
Avhat the young man Avould wish to have done. 
x\t the same time he enjoyed the feeling of im- 
portance that had come since he had undertaken 
264 


EM TO THE RESCUE 


to direct affairs. All the praise he had received 
that morning was delightful to him. He would 
like to stay where he could hear more of it. 

Mrs. Cam was in the kitchen when they drove 
up to the house. She came to the door, putting 
her finger to her lips. The doctor wants us 
to be very quiet,” she whispered. Your uncle 
ain’t any worse,” she added, as she noticed Ed- 
die’s alarmed face, but we’re trying to make 
him sleep. He needs that more than anything. 
I’d be awful glad to have you help about the 
house-work if you’d just as lieves. Everything’s 
dreadfully behind. Such smart boys as you be 
can make fires and wash dishes, I expect ?” 

Oh, yes indeed,” said Eddie, jumping from 
the wagon and running to the stove. 

Archie put Staggers in the barn, and when he 
came back to the kitchen a kettle of water was 
getting hot over a brisk fire, and Eddie was put- 
ting together the soiled dishes and milk - pans 
which covered the tables, the sink, and even stood 
in heaps on the floor. 

Mrs. Cam had gone from the kitchen after 
hearing briefly Eddie’s account of the morning’s 
experience, and the boys were left to bring order 
out of confusion in their own way. When she 
came back an hour later she found the dishes 
all clean and put away on the shelves, the kitchen 
floor swept, and a panful of potatoes, which Ed- 
i8 265 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


die had found under the sink, peeled and lying 
in water ready to boil. 

Well, if you ain’t the nicest hoys !” she ex- 
claimed. I’ll tell father, and he’ll be so 
'pleased!'' 

What can we do next ?” asked Archie. 

Well, I’m goin’ to get dinner now. You may 
set the table if you want to.” 

Let us get dinner all by ourselves,” said the 
boy, eagerly. 

Why, such little fellows as you can’t cook,” 
said Mrs. Cam, laughing. 

Oh, yes we can,” said Eddie. Uncle Weary 
lets us get dinner lots of times. You just try 
us!” 

I’ve half a notion to. I’ve been so extra busy 
this mornin’, doin’ chores and churnin’, with all 
the rest, I haven’t had a minute’s time to dress 
father’s foot, and I’d like to do that before din- 
ner.” 

She told them where to find the pork-barrel, 
the cofiee-pot, and frying-pan, and, after giving 
directions to set the table in the kitchen and call 
her when the meal was ready, she hurried away. 
The boys were so experienced that it was an easy 
matter to prepare the simple food. Dinner was 
all ready to serve hot when Ivan came in at noon 
from the hay-field and wheeled Mr. Cam in his 
arm-chair to the table. 


266 


EM TO THE RESCUE 


Ain’t they the smartest boys ye ever see in 
yer life, Maria!” said the farmer, in a hoarse 
whisper. 

I don’t see how I could ’a’ done without 
’em 1” said his wife, smiling. 

The men and hoys ate in their shirt-sleeves, all 
of them so hearty and hungry that they did not 
mind the heat of the cook-stove, or the swarms 
of flies which had to be brushed away continual- 
ly. Mrs. Cam ate hurriedly, warmed some milk 
for the invalid, and carried it to him. Mr. Cam 
was moved back as quietly as possible to his 
place in the living-room, and the hoys were left 
to wash the dishes. When this task was finished, 
Mrs. Cam made them go to the barn and take 
a nap on the hay. They were so tired by this 
time, from their exciting experiences, that they 
slept until supper-time, when she showed them 
where they could bathe in a stream near the 
house. 

When they came back they found the doctor 
had been there and had gone away. 

How is Uncle Weary ?” asked the boys to- 
gether. 

Eat your suppers and go to bed, and I’ll 
come up and tell you about him pretty soon,” 
said Mrs. Cam. 

She went to them before they were asleep, and 
sat on the edge of their bed. The doctor thinks 
267 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


your uncle ain’t any worse,” she began, reas- 
suringly, but we’re a little worried because he 
don’t sleep. He hasn’t closed his eyes since he 
came here. So we all think it best to send for 
his folks. If his ma was here, perhaps he’d feel 
better.” 

His ma is dead,” said Eddie. 

Well, how about his pa ?” 

Uncle Weary says he can’t walk because he’s 
got the rheumatism.” 

Dear, dear ! What a pity ! But hasn’t he 
any brother or sister that we could send for ?” 

I don’t know.” 

Why, you’re his nephews, ain’t you ? 
Couldn’t your folks come ?” 

My pa and ma are dead,” said the child, 
simply. 

Poor little orphans,” said the woman, ten- 
derly, not noticing that Archie had not spoken, 
and supposing them to be brothers. 

We’d better send for Em,” said Archie, his 
big eyes fixed intently on Mrs. Cam’s face. 

Who is she ?” asked the woman, quickly. 

She’s the niece of the hotel-keeper at Mel- 
ton,” said Eddie. She teaches school some- 
times, but this summer she waits on the table 
because they can’t get anybody else.” 

Yes, I know,” said Mrs. Cam. The 
farmers’ girls round here do that to help out at 
268 


EM TO THE RESCUE 


the summer hotels. I don’t know what they’d 
do without ’em. I see how it is. Your uncle’s 
thinkin’ of her all the time, and that’s why he 
can’t sleep.” 

The children told her Em’s full name and ad- 
dress, and Mrs. Cam wrote it down hurriedly on 
a scrap of paper with a pencil she took from her 
pocket. 'Now you must he good little hoys and 
go to sleep,” she said, kissing them both. Your 
uncle is going to get well right off, now.” 

Yes, I’m so glad Em’s coming. She’ll cure 
him, I know,” said Eddie, fervently. 

Mrs. Cam hastened down the stairs and wrote 
a telegram on the kitchen table, crossing out vari- 
ous words until she had only ten left. As cor- 
rected, it read: 

Miss Emma Mooke, — Your friend very sick. Come at 
once to my house. J. A. Cabn. 

The doctor was waiting for the message, which 
he was to send from the village. When he was 
told of Em’s probable relation to the sick man, 
he said : I hope she’s a sensible girl. If she 
isn’t, there’s very little hope for the poor fellow. 
It’s a kill-or-cure remedy to get her here. How- 
ever, he won’t live long as he is now, and there 
doesn’t seem to he anything else to do.” 

Mrs. Cam prepared for a long night of watch- 
ing by the bedside of the wanderer. She made 
269 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


her husband comfortable for the rest he was only 
able to take in his chair, she closed the windows 
and doors, for the air had grown chilly with the 
setting of the sun, she brought out her church 
paper to read when she should have leisure for 
it, and then sat down by the lamp in the kitchen 
to wait. 

Her patient lay motionless, breathing faintly 
and staring at the ceiling as the hours went by. 
His nurse gave him milk and stimulants at in- 
tervals, which he swallowed docilely, but there 
was no sign of the sleep which, in his weakened 
state, was all that would save him. 

At eleven o’clock Mrs. Cam heard a faint 
sound of rolling wheels, and soon after a light 
tap on the kitchen door. She opened it a small 
crack and, peeping out, saw a young woman, who 
asked in a whisper if she were Mrs. Cam. 

Yes, and you’re Miss Emma Moore, I guess. 
Come right in. I’m awful glad you’re here,” 
was the cordial answer. 

Em entered with a quick, light step. She took 
off her hat and laid it on the table, saying : The 
doctor brought me out. He met me at the train. 
He’s told me all about it. Is there any change ?” 

Hot yet,” said Mrs. Cam, shaking her head. 

Take me to him,” said Em, going toward the 
door. When she bent over the young man his 
eyes left the ceiling and rested on her face. 

270 


EM TO THE RESCUE 


Do you know me, Will V’ she asked. 

A very faint smile came to his face, and he 
whispered, so low that she put her ear close to his 
lips to hear : I thought you would come.’’ 

The color rushed into her pale cheeks, and she 
said, firmly and cheerfully: Yes, I’m here to 
stay and take care of you. I’m going into the 
kitchen a moment, but I’ll be right back.” 

Does your minister live near here ?” she ask- 
ed, going directly to Mrs. Cam. 

Why ? What do you ask me that for ?” gasp- 
ed the frightened woman. You don’t mean he’s 
dyin’, do you ?” 

I want the minister to come and marry us as 
soon as he can get here.” 

Goodness sakes alive !” said Mrs. Cam, put- 
ting her hand to her heart. You take my breath 
away !” 

We expected to be married in the spring,” 
went on Em, in an urgent whisper, if he was 
well enough then, but I think it’s best not to wait 
a minute longer than we can help now. Will you 
ask the doctor when he comes in, to go for the 
minister ?” 

Yes, of course,” said Mrs. Cam, rising. 

That’s just the thing to do. My! but you’re a 
brave, good girl! Eather ’ll be so tickled!” 

The minister was there within an hour, and 
stood with the doctor by Uncle Weary’s bed- 
271 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


side. Will, shall we be married now?’’ asked 
Em. She listened closely to catch his faint re- 
ply. I can’t help myself, can I ?” 

She laughed a little, and then stood by him 
with a sober face while the few solemn words 
were spoken which made them man and wife. 
They were left alone then, and the bride said: 

Will, the doctor believes you won’t get well un- 
less you go to sleep. You don’t want to die and 
leave me, do you ?” 

The young man looked at her and said nothing, 
but the tense expression seemed to be leaving his 
face, and in a few moments he closed his eyes. 

It was perhaps half an hour later that Em left 
the room, shutting the door very softly, and walk- 
ed to where Mrs. Cam was crying by her hus- 
band’s arm-chair. He reached out his hand to 
clasp that of the new-comer, and said, apologeti- 
cally: She just can’t help cryin’ at weddin’s.” 

Please don’t cry any more,” whispered Em. 

I’m afraid you’ll disturb Mr. Williams. He’s 
asleep.” 


CHAPTEE XXVI 


EXPLAITATIONS 

W HEX the boys slipped quietly down-stairs 
the next morning, with the intention of 
preparing breakfast, they found Em standing by 
the sink. This was not surprising. Her being 
there was in keeping with everything else that 
happened. Eddie bounded toward her with a 
cry of joy and put his arms round her waist, 
saying: Oh, I’m so glad you’ve come! Xow 

Uncle Weary ’ll get well.” 

Hush !” said Em. You must be very quiet. 
He’s asleep now, and the doctor says it’s his only 
chance.” 

She asked no questions, and hardly seemed to 
see them as she served breakfast from a neatly 
spread table. As soon as they had finished, 
she cautioned them to tread lightly, and sent 
them off. As they were about to drive away 
in the milk wagon, she said : When you get 
back you may hunt or fish or do anything you 
please.” 


273 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Why, we’re going to help about the work, 
aren’t we?” said Eddie. 

There’s no need of that in the house, now 
that I’m here, and the doctor is going to send a 
man from the village at noon to help Ivan. Mr. 
Cam is fretting because he’s afraid you’ll work 
too hard. He doesn’t want you to do anything 
but deliver milk. He thinks that’s almost too 
much. He’d feel better if he knew you were 
playing and having a good time.” 

Would Uncle Weary like that?” asked 
Archie. 

I’m sure he would. You know he wants you 
to work some and play a great deal.” 

I think it’s play to go ’round with the milk,” 
said the boy. 

Can’t we shoot a squirrel to cook for him ?” 
asked Eddie. 

That’s a good idea,” said Em, starting to go 
in. But she turned back to say : You may call 
me Aunt Em now, if you want to. Your uncle 
and I were married last night.” 

She blushed as she spoke, which made her 
seem, for the first time, like Em, and disap- 
peared. 

During the next three days Uncle Weary slept 
much of the time. When he was awake, he lay 
quietly, with a contented expression, watching 
his wife as she made the room neat or occupied 
274 


EXPLANATIONS 


herself in other ways for his comfort. He was 
not allowed to speak yet, except to whisper brief- 
ly, and he was too weak to move at all. Yet 
the doctor was much pleased with his progress. 
“ He’ll pull through now all right,” he said to 
Em at the end of the third day, and he may 
thank you for his life. If you hadn’t come when 
you did, and been such a good nurse, he’d ’a’ 
been a goner, and no mistake.” 

She ignored the compliment, and said : Doc- 
tor, when can he be moved out-of-doors. He 
teases for that all the time ; says he can’t breathe 
the air of a house.” 

Well, in about a week, perhaps. But you tell 
him his head’s level. The only show for him is 
an out-door life in the right kind of climate, and 
he may rough it again as soon as he gets a little 
more strength.” 

There was no more anxiety after that, and the 
little household became a very peaceful one. 
The boys were allowed to come into the sick 
man’s room for a few minutes every day, and, 
though he could not say more than a few words, 
he enjoyed hearing them talk of their experiences 
as milk-sellers, and seemed very much pleased 
when he learned they were having a good deal of 
fun about the farm. At the end of a week he 
could listen to Mr. Cam reading the paper, 
and very soon the two invalids spent the days 
275 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


together, much to the satisfaction of both of 
them. 

The active farmer had been laid up a month 
or more with a severe injury to his foot. It was 
getting well now, but he was still confined to the 
house, and, before his visitors came, he was find- 
ing his days of convalescence very dull. It seem- 
ed too good to be true, therefore, that he should 
have within reach, so unexpectedly in these busy 
days, another man to talk to — for at last Uncle 
Weary could be propped up by pillows in bed 
and was allowed to carry on a limited conversa- 
tion. When to this privilege was added that of 
playing checkers, the hours passed swiftly. This 
arrangement gave Em much time to help Mrs. 
Cam about the house-work, and the two women 
were busy together from morning till night. I 
declare, it seems like livin’ again to have the 
windows washed and the floors cleaned,” said the 
farmer’s wife. “ Since father got hurt things 
have got dreadfully behind. With all the milk to 
see to, and tendin’ to him, it was as much as ever 
that I got enough for us all to eat. I don’t know 
what we’d ’a’ done without you and these dear 
little fellows.” 

If we worked our fingers to the bone we 
couldn’t begin to make up to you for all you’ve 
done for us,” said the 'New England girl, with 
much more feeling than she usually showed. 

276 


^ EXPLANATIONS 

Laws a massy ! what ’re you talkin’ about ? 
We didn’t do more’n we ought to, and right from 
the start these boys have more than paid the way 
of all of you ; and, now that Mr. Williams is such 
good company for father, and you do the washin’ 
and ironin’ and the heft of the house-work, why, 
w^e’re in debt to you, and I don’t know how we’re 
ever goin’ to pay you.” 

The doctor thinks Mr. Williams can start 
now in a few days,” said Em. He longs to 
sleep out-doors again. He hasn’t lived in a house 
for several years.” 

You don’t mean it! Why, he don’t look 
like — well, that kind of a person. You’d 
think he was just anybody, like all the rest of 
us.” 

He’s not a tramp,” said Em, quickly, and 
a little offended. He earns his living by doc- 
toring horses and cattle.” 

I didn’t mean that, of course,” said Mrs. 
Cam, hastily. I thought he looked smart 
enough for most anything. Ho wonder the lit- 
tle boys are so chipper. Archie favors his uncle, 
too. You’d know they belonged to the same 
breed.” 

The boys are not really his nephews,” said 
Em. They just call him uncle because they 
like him.” 

You don’t say ! Well, I s’pose their folks 
277 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


let ’em travel ’round with him for fun, and so’s 
they can pick up a little money.” 

Em made no reply to this conjecture, and the 
woman went on : Where do they live when 
they’re to home?” 

He hasn’t told me much about ’em,” said 
Em, leaving the room on some pretext, to avoid 
further questioning. She was really much trou- 
bled about the children, and was daily growing 
more anxious and disturbed. The fact that her 
husband had left Melton so suddenly, and under 
suspicion, after saying a hurried good-bye to her, 
made her feel sure there was something wrong 
about his relations to the hoys. It was a horrible 
thought that he had lured them away from their 
homes, but she was very much afraid that that 
was what had happened. 

She was sure he had some reason for this action 
which would justify him, at least to himself, but 
she also felt certain that he would soon be dis- 
covered and dealt with as a kidnapper. She had 
been waiting until the young man should be 
strong enough to talk, and, if her conjectures 
were true, she meant to send the boys home with- 
out any delay. 

On the day she had talked with Mrs. Cam she 
went to her husband’s room and found him lean- 
ing against a pile of pillows looking very com- 
fortable and happy. He was pale and thin, but 
278 


EXPLANATIONS 


his eyes were bright, and he had a vigorous ap- 
petite for the good and nourishing food she 
brought him. He had a seamstress’s board be- 
fore him, on which was arranged the mechanical 
toy which Mrs. Taggart had given Eddie. In 
the hurry and confusion of leaving Rattlesnake 
Den, he had not forgotten to put this in the 
wagon, with the other treasures the little hoys 
had collected. 

He could talk now in a low voice, and said, 
when he had finished his meal : That steak puts 
a lot of strength in me. You’re ’most as good 
a cook as I am. But wait till we’re on the road 
again. I’ll show you how to make a rabhit-stew 
that can’t be beaten. I wish we could start to- 
morrow, though I don’t know what they’d do 
without the kids to deliver milk for ’em.” 

Will, the doctor says we must go South as 
soon as you’re able to travel. It’s almost Septem- 
ber now. Don’t you think the boys ought to be 
sent home, so they can go to school pretty soon ?” 

The young man laid down the knife with which 
he was putting the toy together, and looked at his 
wife sharply. See here, Em,” he said, what 
are you driving at ?” 

Why don’t you answer my question ?” she 
said, looking soberly at him. 

You’ve got something on your mind. Out 
with it. It ’ll make you feel better,” he replied. 

279 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Well, then, where did you get those children ? 
You ought not to have any secrets from me now.’^ 
His face was as sober as hers as he replied: 
See here, Em, suppose I stole ’em. What would 
you do ? Would you leave me 

You know I wouldn’t,” she replied, indig- 
nantly. That’s not my idea of getting married. 
But what possessed you to do such an awful 
thing, and how could you fool the poor little fel- 
loAvs as you have ?” 

Poor ! You ought to have seen them when 
we started three months ago ? They were the 
most starved and puny little things you ever 
saw. I believe Archie would have died if I 
hadn’t taken him in hand, and now look at him. 
He was a perfect baby at first. How he’s a 
regular little man, and a brick into the bargain. 
He’s got fine stuff in him if the conceit was only 
knocked out.” 

But, Will, think of the awful suspense and 
sorrow of the parents. Ho matter how poor they 
are, they love their children as much as rich peo- 
ple, and by this time they must be simply dis- 
tracted; and then — there’s Mrs. Taggart. She’s 
wild over Eddie. He looks like a little boy she 
lost, and she thinks she can persuade his people 
to let her adopt him.” 

Worst thing that could happen to the child, 
but I suppose it would be good for her.” 

280 


EXPLANATIONS 


People were beginning to surmise that some- 
thing was wrong, Will. It’s a wonder to me 
that detectives aren’t after you by this time.” 

What do you want to do about it, Em ?” said 
the young man, quietly. 

Let me telegraph right away to their folks. 
I’m sure they’ll forgive you when they see what 
you’ve done for the children.” 

“ And won’t you leave your husband, although 
you’ve found out he’s a kidnapper?” Uncle 
Weary looked at her eagerly, and she thought 
his voice trembled. 

What do you take me for ?” Em spoke, 
vigorously. I said when we were married, 
^ For better or worse.’ I didn’t suppose the worse 
would come so soon, but, if you can do such awful 
things when you’re alone, it’s a pretty good 
reason for my staying with you to keep you 
straight.” 

He looked at her silently, and then said, gen- 
tly : Telegraph, if you think you ought to, but 
before you do that I want to tell you something. 
Come here.” 

When she stood by his bed he said, in a low 
tone: I didn’t steal them. I’m carrying out 

a plan of Archie’s father’s doctor.” 

19 


\ 


CHAPTER XXVII 


UWCLE weary’s story 

E m sank into a ckair, and for an instant gazed 
blankly at her husband’s laughing face. 
Then she darted to him and boxed his ears light- 
ly, crying: ^^You miserable sinner! How dare 
you make a fool of me like that ! You deserve to 
be pounded, and, if you were well, I’d give it to 
you this minute.” 

Hold your horses !” said the young man, 
weakly, raising his arms to ward olf her blows. 
You don’t know but I’m lying now.” 

You can’t bamboozle me again, sir 1 Why 
didn’t you tell me this before ?” 

I was going to tell you in Melton, and then 
we left in such an awful hurry I couldn’t, and 
since we’re married you won’t let me talk. It’s 
your own fault.” 

Well, I suppose I’ll have to forgive you. But 
don’t put it off any longer. Tell me, quick, all 
about it — or, at least, you may talk for a while — 
not too much. You’re not strong enough yet.” 

282 


UNCLE WEARY^S STORY 


During the long story that followed, the young 
wife learned, for the first time, much of the his- 
tory of her husband. His life had been a disap- 
pointment to him, because, on account of weak 
lungs, he had been obliged to wander about in 
search of a suitable climate where he could live 
out-of-doors and, at the same time, earn his liv- 
ing. He had been compelled to give up teach- 
ing, and his chief occupation now was that of 
doctoring horses and cattle ; hut he had also pick- 
ed berries in their season, and sold tinware to 
farmers in the Middle States and through Hew 
England. His father was well-to-do, and wanted 
to give his son all the money he needed, hut the 
latter was independent and enjoyed taking care 
of himself. 

But how did you get hold of the boys ask- 
ed Em, when they reached this point in the 
story. I can’t wait any longer to hear about 
it.” 

That’s easy. I ran across an old doctor in 
the town where Archie’s father was raised. He 
knows my father, and he gave me a lot of advice 
about my health. It’s his notion for me to live 
in the open. Well, Archie’s father and mother 
told the old doctor about their sickly little boy, 
and how they’d tried all the doctors in Kingdom 
Come, and he didn’t get any better, and they want- 
ed Dr. Pond to take the case as a last resort. 

283 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


The old man said at first that he wouldnT touch 
it, but they hung on, and finally he consented if 
theyM turn the boy entirely over to him for three 
months. Said he couldnT guarantee a cure, but, 
if they’d clear out, go to Europe or somewhere, 
and leave him a free hand, asking no questions, 
he’d see what he could do.” 

And did they consent ?” asked Em, in sur- 
prise. 

Yes, they did. The doctor is a rough old 
fellow, but he’s soft enough inside. Archie’s 
mother saw that quick enough, and took a great 
fancy to him. She promised to do any and ev- 
erything the doctor asked, and they actual- 
ly sailed for Europe without seeing the child 
again.” 

How could she leave her sickly little boy 
with strangers?” said Em, in a tone of disap- 
proval. I suppose those city mothers are like 
that. They say they neglect their children and 
go off and leave them with nurses.” 

Archie’s mother isn’t that kind. She’s too 
much the other way. She gives up her whole 
time to his care, and coddles him too much. Ho, 
she just believed in the old doctor the minute 
she saw him, went off her head, as such folks are 
apt to do, said she knew he’d cure her boy if he 
would only try, and almost went down on her 
knees to him to make him take the case. She 
284 


UNCLE WEARY^S STORY 


insisted on starting for Europe as soon as they 
could get off, to show her good faith/’ 

Well, how did you come into the trans- 
action asked Em. 

I happened to be in the doctor’s house at the 
time, though I didn’t see the Stebbinses. The 
old man thought, from their account, there was 
nothing the matter with the boy but too much 
fussing and medicine, so he asked me if I’d take 
Archie with me for a couple of months on one 
of my camping trips.” 

You don’t mean to say he sent a child like 
that off on a rough outing without seeing him,” 
said Em. 

He seemed to think I had more gumption 
than you do,” said her husband, dryly. He 
knew I had experience enough in doctoring to 
tell, as soon as I saw the hoy, if it was safe to 
start with him, and, if he didn’t improve, to 
quit the experiment.” 

I wouldn’t suppose you’d like to he bothered 
with children,” said Em. 

Well, I was rather lonesome sometimes. I 
like boys of the right sort, so I said I’d try him 
for a couple of weeks. If he had any good stuff 
in him, I knew I’d find it out by that time. If 
he hadn’t, I meant to bring him back to the doc- 
tor.” 

I’d have thought his aunt would make ob- 
285 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


jections to his going off with a stranger,” 
said Em. 

That’s where I was foxy. I told the doctor 
I wouldn’t undertake the job unless I could do 
it in my own way. I didn’t want any fussing or 
interference or advice from anybody. The par- 
ents believed in the doctor, and the doctor had 
confidence in me, so he told me to go ahead and 
he’d see that nobody interfered. I didn’t have 
any trouble in fixing up the scheme to make the 
aunt believe it was all right. The boy came along 
without any trouble, and I believe he thinks he’s 
had a good time.” 

Well, I should say !” exclaimed Em, looking 
at her husband admiringly. It was not her way 
to express her satisfaction in stronger terms than 
this, so she said now : Tell me about Eddie.” 

I knew Archie would be lonesome without 
another boy, so I told the doctor to look up one. 
I wanted him to be sickly, too, so I could manage 
them alike. Dr. Pond knew about Eddie, and 
arranged mth his uncle, and I roped him in 
without any trouble. He’s a good little shaver, 
but he’s a good deal of a cry-baby.” 

I don’t believe you appreciate him. Will. 
He thinks all the world of you, and I believe he’d 
do anything you asked him to.” 

Don’t you be alarmed. I appreciate him all 
right. I’m just as soft and foolish about him 
286 


UNCLE WEARY^S STORY 


as the next one. He ought to have been a girl, 
though.’’ 

That reminds me,” said Em. Is the story 
true that you dressed Archie in girl’s clothes 
when you first came to Melton ?” 

Her husband laughed. I made him wear 
a sunbonnet to shade his eyes from the glare of 
the sandy roads. His eyes were pretty bad when 
we first started out. Afterward I made him wear 
it to punish him for being impudent and rebell- 
ious.” 

That was pretty hard on him, Will. Boys 
hate to be called girls or to wear their clothes.” 

But I had to teach the little tyke to obey. 
He’d never done it in his life. Eegular spoiled 
child. It was rather tough on him, but I made 
him do the thing I knew he’d hate most. Be- 
sides, it was a good idea to disguise him till we 
got out of the neighborhood.” 

How did you pay for your food as you went 
from one place to another ?” 

That’s easy enough. I generally doctored a 
sick horse or cow, and sometimes the cat, in ex- 
change for butter and milk and garden truck.” 

The invalid was very tired now, and was not 
allowed to talk more that day. 

After a good night’s sleep he seemed to feel 
rested and strong, and when his breakfast was 
over, Em said : How tell me about Archie’s 
287 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


father. He must be pretty well off to be taking 
trips to Europe.’’ 

Well off ! He’s worth several millions, and 
Archie is his only child.” 

Eor mercy’s sake !” exclaimed Em. What 
a responsibility to have the care of such a boy. 
His father must pay you well.” 

He doesn’t know anything about me yet. I 
settle with the doctor. But I sha’n’t charge any- 
thing. The boy has earned his way, and more, 
too. He and Eddie have paid me in cash sev- 
eral dollars over what I’ve spent for them.” 

But, Will, you know it’s worth a good deal 
more than their little earnings. You ought to 
ask a fair price in payment. It’s only right.” 

“ I never took more than was coming to me, 
and I’m not going to begin now. You’d think it 
was all right if Archie’s father wasn’t rich. 
That doesn’t cut any figure with me. Business 
is business,” said her husband, emphatically. 

But now there’ll be doctor’s bills to pay.” 
Em spoke, anxiously. 

That’s all right,” said the young man, se- 
renely. We’ve got a little pile saved for a 
rainy day. There’s fifty dollars in a wallet I 
put in the feed-bag. I told the kids to take good 
care of it just before I had the attack. It ’ll 
just about pay our expenses.” 

Will,” said his wife, nervously, I’ve been 
288 


UNCLE WEARY'S STORY 


keeping something from yon because I thought 
you were not strong enough to bear it, and I told 
the children not to tell you, hut I think I'd better 
now. The boys lost the money before they got 
here." 

“ What !" said the young man, sitting up in 
bed and looking at her incredulously, I can't 
believe you. How could that happen ?" 

She told him the story, then, of the holes in 
the feed-bag, of how the wallet had probably 
fallen through one of these to the ground when 
they had left their last camp in such haste, and 
how Archie had kept the news from him, fear- 
ing he was too ill to know; and finally, of the 
child's wonderful presence of mind and prompt 
action which had saved his life on that terrible 
night when he was brought to the farm-house 
more dead than alive. 

The young man was very much moved. He 
made her tell the story again. I knew he was 
a trump, hut that beats all !" he said. I don't 
know what his father 'll say, he'll be so proud of 
him. And to think we came to this house as 
tramps and beggars !" 

Yes, and see how the Cams took you in and 
did for you as though you belonged to 'em." 

Money can never pay 'em for that," said her 
husband, though, of course, I can give 'em back 
all they've spent, and more, too. But they didn't 
289 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


know that, and didn’t expect to get a cent from 
us. I’ll soon be on my feet and earning enough 
to pay our debts.” 

You can’t do that, Will. The doctor says 
we must go South before cold weather. But don’t 
you worry. I can get all we need.” 

Where from ? You send all your money 
home, don’t you ? It’s lucky you had enough to 
get here.” 

I didn’t have. When the telegram came I 
had only five dollars, and the train started in an 
hour. I didn’t know which way to turn. Mrs. 
Sampson saw I was in trouble. You know she 
has awful sharp eyes. She made me tell her, 
and then she insisted on loaning me twenty-five 
dollars, and said she’d send more if we needed 
it. Then she packed my satchel and almost put 
me on the train.” 

Em, think how we’ve made fun of her !” 

I know it. I am as ashamed as can be.” 

It beats all,” said her husband, in a whisper. 


CHAPTEE XXVIII 


THE BEAR-HUHT 

T HEEE busy, happy, peaceful weeks had 
passed since the wanderers found shelter 
and comfort under the roof of the big-hearted 
Cams. The invalid was now much improved in 
health, and able to walk about to make prepara- 
tion for the journey south with his wife. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins were expected home 
from Europe in a week, when Uncle Weary 
meant to take Archie to Dr. Pond and then start 
southward without seeing the parents. He was 
very much afraid of effusive thanks and the 
offer of more money than he thought was his 
due. 

Em had written to Mr. and Mrs. Taggart 
about Eddie’s homeless condition. She had told 
them that the uncle of the boy would be glad to 
give him to any one who would take good care 
of him, and they had hastened to reply that they 
were overjoyed at the possibility of adopting 
him, and would take him to his uncle at any 
291 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


appointed time, to make such legal arrangements 
as were necessary. 

During the summer Archie had sometimes 
wondered why he had received no letters from 
his parents or been required to write any. Un- 
cle Weary had told him that his father and 
mother were travelling in Europe; that it was 
not necessary for them to write to him, or bother 
him about replies, so long as they knew he was 
well and happy. 

There was always something interesting going 
on at the farm. One day it was salting the sheep ; 
the next, perhaps the bees would swarm ’’ and 
all hands be called on to rattle on pans and other- 
wise make a din to induce the migrating colony 
to settle within reach; then there was the fun 
of riding home on a load of hay and helping to 
mow it away.” 

They bathed every night in the swimming- 
hole,” and there were squirrels and chipmunks 
to shoot and trout to catch when there was noth- 
ing new to do. 

A range of wooded mountains rose from the 
meadows back of the house, and Archie was fond 
of going there to the wood lot ” with the hired 
man. But Eddie never went on these excursions. 
All his life he had been afraid of imaginary 
bears, and here, he was told, were real ones, liv- 
ing up among those dark trees. He shuddered 
292 


THE BEAR-HUNT 


whenever he looked in that direction. It made 
no difference when people told him the bears 
were harmless and shj, and ran away when they 
saw any one. Bears were hears, and something 
terrifying even to think of. So, when Archie 
went with Ivan for a load of fence-posts or of 
wood, Eddie would amuse himself by making 
little boats with his knife in the barn or by watch- 
ing the operations of canning fruit or making 
jelly in the kitchen. 

The tender-hearted Mrs. Cam would never al- 
low any one to talk of bears when the sensitive 
boy was present. I expect he’s been scared 
to death about ’em when he was a baby,” she 
said. He’ll get over it when he’s older, but 
there’s no use in making children miserable more 
than’s necessary.” 

It was true that the little brown bears of the 
mountains usually did no mischief and seldom 
left the woods. But lately every one in the val- 
ley was startled by hearing that one bold tres- 
passer had made an exception to this rule. He 
had entered a pasture and carried away a lamb. 

After this the farmers no longer felt safe, and 
at every house they talked about hunting the 
offender until he was found and killed. The ex- 
citement mounted to fever-heat when, one morn- 
ing, Mrs. Cam rose early to gather pennyroyal 
with the dew on, and saw the tracks of a bear’s 
293 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


foot in the soft earth of a garden-bed. She then 
remembered that the pigs made more noise than 
usual in the night, and, going to their pen, she 
found one little squealer gone. Looking down, 
she saw tracks all about, and could trace them to 
the barnyard fence, over which the thief had 
evidently climbed and made his escape to the 
woods. 

Mr. Cam was greatly excited when his wife 
waked him with the astonishing news. Where’s 
my gun, Maria he exclaimed, as he started to 
rise. Then, remembering his disabled condition, 
he sank back and cried, impatiently : I de- 
clare, I can’t stand this any longer !” 

I guess you’ll have to, pa,” said his wife, 
gently. It’s too awful bad, I know, but — ” 

Call Ivan,” he interrupted. Tell him to 
clip it over to Cap’n Prout’s. The old man will 
be a good hand to manage a hunt. They ought 
to hev had it afore.” 

Captain Prout was at the breakfast-table when 
Ivan, breathless from running, came to tell him 
that a bear had taken a pig from the Cams’ 
farm, and that he was wanted to organize a hunt 
for the animal at once. The old man had just 
been laughing and jeering at the statement made 
by his grandson, who was known to have a vivid 
imagination, that he had seen a bear in the road 
that morning early when he was milking. 

294 


THE BEAR-HUNT 


There, what did I tell ye cried the vindi- 
cated boy. JSText time, perhaps, youTl believe 
me.” 

Well, I vum !” said the old man. Who’d ’a’ 
thought it. A bear hain’t been seen in the open 
here for nigh onto twenty -five year.” He put 
on his hat and, with his son, hurried to Mr. 
Cam’s house, where several other neighbors had 
been summoned for a council of war. The plan 
was quickly made that all the men, boys, and 
dogs in the valley should be notified and asked 
to come that afternoon and, under the direction 
of Captain Prout, hunt the hairv robber until 
he was captured. 

Don’t tell the little boys,” said Mrs. Cam. 

Eddie is timid, and Archie is nervous. I’m 
afraid they’ll be scared.” 

What you talkin’ about, Maria !” exclaimed 
Mr. Cam, indignantly. I don’t know about the 
tow-head, but t’other little rascal wouldn’t ask 
any better fun than to be in the hunt.” 

If they had wished to do so, they could not 
have kept the matter from the children. The air 
was full of it, and when they came home at ten 
o’clock they knew that telegrams, telephones, 
bicycles, and horses had been used to summon all 
capable citizens in the township to gather at the 
Cam homestead for a grand bear-hunt. Much to 
Mrs. Cam’s surprise, Eddie was not alarmed at 
296 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


the preparations for war. Indeed, he felt re- 
lieved. He knew he should sleep better after 
the hunt. Real bears were, after all, not so bad 
as imaginary ones. The former could be killed, 
while the latter were always at hand. 

From the time Archie was four years old he 
had been familiar with stories of bears, from the 
Big Bear,” the Middle-sized Bear,” and the 
Little Bear ” of his nursery book, to the great, 
savage grizzly that his uncle George had shot in 
the Rocky Mountains. He had often played with 
the skin of this beast, and was never tired of 
hearing the story of its capture. He had never 
before dreamed of the possibility of sharing in 
sport of this sort until he was grown up or, at 
least, was much older than now, and it seemed to 
him sometimes as though he could not wait for 
that time to come. But now, if Uncle Weary 
would only say he might go with the other boys 
to this hunt — why, it was impossible to believe 
such a wonderful thing could happen. 

But it was not necessary to plead for this per- 
mission. Uncle Weary said he expected him to 
go, of course, and to be sure to shoot the old pig- 
stealer in the head. He did not even tell the boy 
to be careful. He only said, when they were 
ready to start : All you have to do at a bear- 
hunt is to obey orders. You know how to do 
that. I can trust you.” 


296 


THE BEAR-HUNT 


Mrs. Cam was much distressed to have so 
young a child go on this rough expedition. 

Why, honey,” she said, ain’t you afraid ? 
That big feller ’d eat a little tad like you in one 
mouthful if he got a-hold o’ you.” 

I can shoot now,” said Archie, confidently. 

I’ve killed three chipmunks and two squir- 
rels. I’m sure I could hit such a big thing as 
a bear.” 

You better let him alone, mother,” laughed 
Mr. Cam. I’ll bet on you, you young Nim- 
rod,” he said, shaking Archie’s hani You’re 
made of the right stuff. I wish I could go along 
with you.” 

The boy felt as though carried on wings as he 
ran beside Ivan to join the other hunters. Of 
all his happy summer, this was the happiest mo- 
ment. 

Fifty men and boys, and perhaps twenty dogs, 
had collected at the appointed hour in the lane a 
quarter of a mile from the house. 

Now, boys, don’t git excited and fire on the 
critter in the timber,” cautioned the captain. 

There’s too many human hein’s around to resk 
that. He can’t possibly get away from so many 
on us. Wait till the dogs start him, and head 
him for the open if ye can. He’ll turn on the 
dogs most likely, and then, if it’s in the right 
place, some on us ’ll fix him.” 

ao 297 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


What ’ll we do if he tackles us V’ asked a 
hoy in the crowd. 

Ye needn’t be consarned. These b’ars are all 
cowards. He won’t turn on ye unless he’s cor- 
nered. Ye want to yell bloody murder to scare 
him and keep him runnin’ down the mountain. 
If he takes to the river, we’ve got him sure, for 
then he’ll be a fair mark for the hull on ye and 
no danger to anybody. How I guess you better 
hurry some afore he gets wind of what’s goin’ 
on.” 

At this word of command the company started 
up the mountain, through a rough pasture, as 
swiftly and silently as possible, as the orders 
were to keep still until the game was found. < 

Eddie had cleaned and loaded the little rifle 
as his contribution to the hunt, and Archie car- 
ried it proudly over his shoulder as he ran with 
the crowd. He knew the woods well, so, when 
they reached them, he and Ivan were soon in ad- 
vance of the others, and making their way rapid- 
ly toward a thicket of blackberries where the dogs 
were going, evidently scenting the animal in that 
direction. 

There he is !” shouted Archie, as they caught 
sight of a brown body scudding among the trees. 

A young man who joined them now shouted: 

He’s makin’ for his den ! Head him off, 
Lion !” he called to his dog. 

298 


THE BEAR-HUNT 


Then began a great sound of barking and yelp- 
ing some rods away. Archie fairly flew over the 
ground, and came to the scene of battle be- 
fore the others. All the dogs had attacked the 
bear at once, and the boy reached the spot just 
as the animal turned at bay. He was standing 
on his hind-legs and knocking off the dogs right 
and left with his powerful paws. But he seemed 
to be in a panic the moment he saw Archie and 
heard him shout, and he started to run, this time 
down the mountain toward the little river. The 
whole company dashed after him pellmell, and 
the frightened creature made for a marsh near 
the stream. 

Kill him ! Kill him V’ screamed Archie, who 
was now almost up with the dogs. 

Most of the pursuers hesitated when the bear 
plunged into the swamp. But Archie rushed 
on, springing from one hummock to another, un- 
til he came to a more solid bit of land, where the 
bear stood at bay, his back against a tree, fiercely 
fighting the pack of howling dogs. 

Several young men quickly followed and began 
firing at the bear, which was now a good target. 
Archie had already fired, and his little bullet 
was the first one of the half-dozen which brought 
down the enemy. 

For a moment the air was filled with smoke 
and the smell of gunpowder. When that cleared 
299 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


away, most of the hunters had dashed through 
the swamp, shouting and cheering wildly as they 
gathered round the fallen foe. 

I swanny ! he’s the biggest and oldest feller 
I ever saw,” said the captain, who had come 
puffing and wheezing to the scene. He’s the 
robber, sure enough. Ye won’t hear from the 
rest on ’em after this.” 

Ye can bet ye won’t,” agreed another old 
farmer. We’ve scared ’em so they’ll be afraid 
to show their noses out of their dens.” 

Who fired the first shot ?” asked the captain. 

You did, did ye ?” he chuckled, as the men 
pointed to Archie. Wall, if ye kin do such a 
job as that when yer a baby, I guess folks ’ll 
have to stand round when yer growd up.” 

He’s the spunkiest little red-head I ever 
saw,” said the first speaker, laughing. By 
gracious ! I never saw anything like the way he 
took after that bear. I thought he’d git on his 
back and ride him out to the open.” 

It’s a wonder he didn’t,” said another. He 
was just plumb crazy with excitement, and I 
expected he’d blaze away with his gun any min- 
ute. But he seemed to have sense enough to 
obey orders, and waited till the right time, along 
with the rest on us.” 


THE HUNTERS WERE SHOUTING AND CHEERING WILDLY 



4 





CHAPTEE XXIX 


THE TROPHY 

M e. and Mrs. Stebbins landed in Xew York 
a week sooner than they were expected, and 
at once took a fast train for the home of Dr. 
Pond. During their three months of absence in 
Europe they had been obliged to content them- 
selves with the brief notes of their family physi- 
cian, saying at the most, Your boy is doing 
well,” or, Your son is gaining. You will see 
an improvement in him.” But not a word as to 
treatment or his whereabouts. 

They kept their agreement, however, and ask- 
ed no questions. But now that they were home 
again and almost within reach of her son, the 
mother thought it hard to be told by the doctor 
that she must wait a little longer. 

The boy is on a farm off the railroad, just 
now,” he said. You’d better take a livery and 
drive there. You can make it in five or six hours 
with a good team.” 

Mr. Stebbins hurried away to engage a car- 
301 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


riage, and while she waited his wife tried, by 
stratagems and wiles, to gather some item of news 
about her boy. But the old doctor was obdurate. 

Go and see for yourself,” he said, laughing. 

You’ve waited pretty well, I know, but I guess 
you can stand it a few hours more.” 

There was no moving him, as Mr. Stebbins 
knew, and with the crumb of comfort given them 
that the boy was no worse than when they left 
him, and, on the whole, was somewhat better, 
the anxious parents took their comfortable car- 
riage, with a pair of fast horses and a reliable 
driver, to find the little village of East Pem- 
berton. 

The horses were fresh and strong, and took the 
travellers at a rattling pace over the excellent 
mountain roads. Pour o’clock found them with- 
in half a mile of the Cam homestead, when sud- 
denly, with no warning, the hitherto steady horses 
began to rear and plunge madly, becoming at 
once unmanageable and threatening to overturn 
the carriage. 

It happened so quickly that Mrs. Stebbins was 
hardly aware of their peril before her husband, 
with great presence of mind, grasped her waist, 
and, taking advantage of an instant when the 
horses were backing, succeeded in lifting her safe- 
ly to the ground. He placed her on a log by the 
wayside, and ran immediately to the assistance 
302 


THE TROPHY 


of the driver, who exclaimed : What in tnnket 
ails ’em! They’re most scared to death about 
somethin’. I never see ’em act like this afore.” 

It must be that crowd coming down the 
road,” said Mr. Stebbins, as he struggled with 
the frightened horses, while the driver tried to 
calm them with soothing words and repeated 

Whoas.” 

It can’t be that,” he said. They’re used 
to folks, and they ain’t no noise can scare ’em.” 

Perhaps the harness — ” began Mr. Steb- 
bins. 

But the driver interrupted him in a tone of 
enlightenment as the approaching crowd came 
nearer : I see what’s the matter. They’ve had 
a b’ar-hunt over there, and they’re bringin’ the 
critter home. They ain’t no hoss alive ’ll stand 
the smell o’ wild beasts. That’s what’s the mat- 
ter with my team.” 

The party with the bear now saw the predica- 
ment of the travellers, and, realizing the cause, 
halted in the road. 

Mr. Stebbins said, quickly : You’d better 
turn round and drive back a mile or two. My 
wife can easily walk the remaining distance to 
the farm-house.” 

I d’ know but I’ll hev to. See ye later,” 
said the man, as he wheeled the horses round 
and disappeared in an instant down the road. 

303 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


Oh, tell me what it is, dear ! What fright- 
ened them said Mrs. Stebbins, still trembling, 
as her husband joined her. 

Horses are afraid of wild animals, and they 
seem to be bringing a bear toward us,’^ said Mr. 
Stebbins, pointing in the direction of the return- 
ing hunters, whose shouts and laughter could now 
be plainly heard. 

Bears! Real bears? Oh, Pm afraid of 
them, too ! Let us run !” 

You haven’t the strength for that, Lillian, 
after your fright. Sit down again. There’s no 
possible danger from a dead bear.” 

Are you sure he’s dead ?” 

Yes,” said her husband, scanning the pro- 
cession carefully. His feet are tied together, 
and he is strung on a long pole, which is carried 
on men’s shoulders. But there seems to be a live 
cub riding on the bear. Look, Lillian!” 

Oh, my dear, how can you ask me to look ? 
You know my horror of all such animals,” she 
said, covering her eyes with her hands. 

But, Lillian,” he urged, it’s a wonderful 
sight. You ought not to miss it. You’d look at 
it in a play, and it’s much more picturesque than 
anything you ever saw on the stage. It’s like a 
barbaric procession in the Middle Ages, with the 
dark mountain for a background, and a crowd 
of shouting men, in all sorts of ragged costumes, 
304 


THE TROPHY 


with guns over their shoulders, and boys and dogs 
leaping around them; the dead bear and cub 
carried on the young men’s shoulders, and the — 
Heavens ! What — ” 

Suddenly Mr. Stebbins ran toward the bear. 
The face of the red - headed little cub had 
turned toward him, and he recognized his own 
boy. 

Oh, daddy ! daddy !” shrieked Archie, his 
cup of joy now full. I shot him ! I helped to 
kill him! He’s most as big as Uncle George’s 
grizzly, isn’t he ?” 

Mr. Stebbins raised his hand to his forehead, 
looking dazed, as he faltered : Why, this isn’t — 
Why, how did you get here ?” 

How did you get here?” echoed Archie, 
jumping to the ground and giving his father a 
genuine bear’s hug. 

The men and boys stood in a circle around 
father and son, silent from astonishment, and 
Mr. Stebbins was too much absorbed to speak 
to them as he took Archie’s hand, saying, Come 
to your mother,” and pointed to where she sat, 
several yards away, her eyes still covered to keep 
out the dreadful sight. 

But Archie held back, saying : Oh, 1 want to 
show her the bear. Can’t we take that along, 
too ?” 

One at a time, my son,” said his father, 
305 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


laughing. I imagine you’ll be all she can stand 
at once.” 

You go and see your ma, hub,” said the cap- 
tain. We’ll stay right here ’til you get back 
to tell us what to do with your b’ar.” 

Lillian, Lillian, look up !” exclaimed her 
husband, taking her hands in his. “ I’ve brought 
you the cub. I thought you’d like him for a 
pet.” 

The meeting was almost too much for her. 
She cried and laughed hysterically as she clasped 
the ragged, grimy little boy in her delicate, silk- 
clad arms. 

Oh, it can’t be ! It can’t be !” she repeated, 
again and again. This brown, sturdy, farmer’s 
boy my pale little Archibald! I can’t believe 
it.” 

Yes, isn’t it a miracle ?” said her husband. 

Oh, we can never pay dear old Dr. Pond 
enough for this 1” said the mother. 

Who is Dr. Pond ?” said Archie. I never 
heard of him. I haven’t had any doctor or taken 
any medicine all summer. Eddie and I have 
just lived with Uncle Weary in Rattlesnake Den 
till we came here. You’d better pay him.” 

Uncle Weary ! Rattlesnake Den !” repeated 
his father, looking puzzled. 

Why, didn’t you know we were camping- 
out ?” 


306 


THE TROPHY 


No, Dr. Pond wouldn’t tell ns anything,” 
said his mother. 

That sounds like one of Uncle Weary’s sur- 
prises,” laughed Archie. Well, we lived in a 
cave, and Eddie and I earned a lot of money 
picking berries and catching trout for the hotel, 
and then folks said Uncle Weary stole us, so we 
had to come here, and Eddie and I deliver milk 
for Mr. and Mrs. Cam, and Uncle Weary says 
that pays for our board.” 

Archie had always believed in the good sense 
of his parents, but now he could not help 
thinking they were a little silly to laugh as 
though they would never stop at his simple state- 
ment. 

What’s the matter, daddy ?” he said, a little 
impatiently. 

Well, my son,” said Mr. Stebbins, as he 
wiped his eyes, you must admit it is rather up- 
setting for us to leave you rolled up in a rose-leaf 
and come back to find you selling milk and hunt- 
ing bears.” 

Who is Eddie, dear ?” asked his mother. 

He’s the nicest boy I ever saw. I like him 
next to Uncle Weary. His father and mother 
are dead, but Mr. and Mrs. Taggart are going 
to adopt him.” 

The Allen Taggarts from Boston ?” 

Yes ; they came from Boston in their auto.” 

307 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


And are the Cams nice, too 

Oh yes, indeed. Why, mother, when we got 
there in the night Uncle Weary was awful sick, 
and they thought we were beggars — ^we had lost 
all our money, you know — hut they took such 
good care of Uncle Weary, and they sent for 
Aunt Em, and she and Uncle Weary were mar- 
ried, and the doctor says he’ll get well now, with 
Aunt Em to take care of him — ” 

Oh ! oh ! those blessed Cams ! What angels 
there are in the world! But tell me more — all 
about everything. I can’t wait a moment,” said 
the mother, pulling the hoy down by her side on 
the log. 

But, mother, you haven’t seen the bear we 
killed.” 

‘^You killed a bear?” 

Sam and Bob Peters and Jack Drake and I 
shot him. They’re going to give him to me be- 
cause I was the first to shoot. They’re waiting 
for us over there. Come and see him.” 

He took her hand to help her rise, but she 
remained sitting, and shuddered as she said: 

Oh, you mustn’t ask me to see him, dear 1 I 
couldn’t.” 

Why, mother! Hot see my bear?” said the 
little boy, very much injured. 

Oh, yes indeed. Why, mother, when we got 
him.” 


308 


THE TROPHY 


Mr. Stebbins had left them to talk with the 
captain and the other men, and Archie walked 
with his arm around his mother’s waist to the 
bear, who lay by the roadside. 

He is a beanty,” she said, bravely glancing 
down at the big, formidable-looking beast. 

We’ll make his fur into a rug for your bed- 
room, won’t we, mother ?” 

Yes, indeed. It will be a beautiful one. I 
shall love it. But now I want to hear all about 
my darling’s summer with that wonderful Uncle 
Weary and those dear Cams.” 

Will you walk to the house, Lillian, or shall 
I send for a carriage?” said Mr. Stebbins, join- 
ing them. 

Oh, let us walk, by all means,” she said, 
showing him her thick-soled shoes. Then we 
can talk as we go along.” 

Aren’t we going to take our bear with us ?” 
asked Archie, anxiously, as most of the company 
scattered for their homes. 

He’s a pretty heavy load for the men to 
carry,” said Mr. Stebhins, and so I’ve arranged 
to have him hauled in a wagon. He’ll be there 
soon after we are.” 

The child looked so disappointed that several 
young men insisted on carrying the bear again 
on the pole. 

The boy has earned the right to have his own 
309 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 


way/’ said the captain. ^^’Twon’t hurt them 
young fellers a mite to lug him.’’ 

So, with the precious trophy before his eyes, 
Archie walked with his parents down the road. 
There was too much noise and excitement to 
make conversation possible, and, when they ap- 
proached the house, Archie seemed very much 
preoccupied. 

Daddy, will you please take mother to the 
wagon-shed to stay till I come for you ?” he asked. 

What a strange thing to ask ! Why ?” 

We don’t want to make them a particle of 
trouble, darling,” said his mother, thinking the 
boy intended to give the Cams time to make some 
preparations for visitors before they appeared. 

JSTo, it’s not that,” said Archie ; I just 
wanted Uncle Weary to see my bear first.” 

Oh, isn’t he delicious !” exclaimed Mrs. 
Stehbins, laughing, as she and her husband 
turned back. 

With Archie leading, the rest went on to the 
house. The noise had brought out Uncle Weary 
and the others; and, while they laughed and 
wondered at the strange procession, the men ad- 
vanced and laid the bear on the ground, and at 
the same instant Archie filing himself on Uncle 
Weary, exclaiming, breathlessly : Oh, Uncle 
Weary, we’ve got the bear, and I helped kill 
him!’’ 


310 


THE TROPHY 


A slow smile crept over the invalid’s face as 
he looked down on the great beast and then at 
the slender, quivering little boy at his side. 

Pretty good for your first big game,” he 
drawled. But don’t you think it’s pretty rough 
for a big fellow like you to hit a little one like 
that?” 

Archie laughed with the rest. He understood 
Uncle Weary, and knew he was much pleased, 
and that meant more than all the petting and con- 
gratulations of the others. They were all about 
him now, everybody talking at once, and asking 
all sorts of questions. Suddenly he tore himself 
away and exclaimed ; Oh, Uncle Weary, I have 
another surprise for you !” 

What business have you with surprises ?” 
began Uncle Weary. But Archie had darted 
back, and returned at once with his father and 
mother. 

This is Uncle Weary !” he shouted. 

The young man looked about as though trying 
to escape, but the parents both grasped his hands 
and held him, and in answer to their broken 
words he said, in a low tone : There are no 
thanks coming from you. I guess he’s done as 
much for me as I have for him.” 

And then the delightful outing came to an end 
as abruptly and unexpectedly as it had begun. 

311 


THE KIDNAPPED CAMPERS 

Through the combined tact of Mrs. Stebbins 
and the good sense of Em, Uncle Weary was 
persuaded to accept on invitation to spend the 
winter on one of Mr. Stebbins’ Florida estates, 
where the doctor predicted he would grow strong 
and well under the excellent care his wife would 
give him. 

Mrs. Stebbins was also able to induce the 
Cams to accept more than they thought was their 
due. 

The boys found it very hard to say good-bye, 
hut the parting was brightened at the last by a 
promise that they might camp again with Uncle 
Weary at the Den. Perhaps the next summer. 
So Eddie smiled through his tears, and Archie 
waved his hand bravely as he was whirled away 
in the automobile. 


THE END 




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